UAE authority rejects reports on Golden Visa rules; Dubai-based group apologises for 'confusion' over 'lifetime visa' claims

Dubai, Jul 9 (PTI) The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has dismissed claims in media reports suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas for some nationalities could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions, saying it had “no legal basis.” Meanwhile, in a statement sent to Khaleej Times on Wednesday, a day after the ICP's rejection of claims, the daily said the Dubai-based Rayad group has "apologised" for the "public confusion" over the purported nomination-based resident initiative, including references to a “fixed AED 100,000 fee” and a so-called “lifetime visa” arrangement.

PTI in its story released on July 6 on the UAE government having started a new type of Golden Visa had reported that India and Bangladesh have been selected for the first phase of testing, and a consultancy named Rayad Group has been chosen to test the initial form of the nomination-based Golden Visa in India.

Based on the accounts provided by beneficiaries and people involved in the process, PTI had reported that Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23.30 lakh) under the “new nomination-based visa policy”.

The Khaleej Times said on its website that the Rayad Group issued a clarificatory statement saying: “The Rayad Group acknowledges the recent media coverage and public discussions regarding a purported nomination-based UAE Golden Visa initiative, including references to a fixed Dh 100,000 fee and a so-called 'lifetime visa' arrangement." It further said the Rayad Group has “apologised unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary, adding: “We take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE’s stringent regulatory frameworks.” Reacting to reports circulated by “some local and international media outlets and websites” on the issue of the United Arab Emirates(UAE) granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities, the ICP on Tuesday clarified that the categories, conditions, and regulations of the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions.

A statement by the ICP emphasised that all Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process.

“The Authority had recently observed news articles from a consultancy office based in another country, suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions. These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE,” it said.

“The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities.” The ICP reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and transparent environment for applicants, and to continuously enhancing its services exclusively through official digital platforms.

It also stated that legal action will be taken against entities spreading such false information in an attempt to illegally collect money from individuals aspiring to live and reside in the UAE, exploiting their hopes for a dignified and secure life.

It urged all individuals wishing to visit, live, or invest in the UAE not to respond to inaccurate rumours and false news aimed at quick profit and avoid paying any fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to provide these services.

The ICP strongly advised everyone to always refer to official sources to verify the accuracy of procedures-either through its official website or by contacting the call centre at 600522222, available 24/7, before taking any action.

In its statement, Rayad Group underscored: “We also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge that certain public comments made by Rayad Group’s Managing Director were misplaced and have contributed to the misinterpretation of our role and the nature of the initiative in question.” “These statements did not accurately reflect our intent, our scope of services, or the limitations of our authority in relation to the UAE Golden Visa programme. To reiterate with full clarity: no guaranteed visa, fixed-price programme, or lifetime UAE residency product currently exists, and the Rayad Group does not offer, support, participate, or endorse any such arrangement.

“Due to the confusion caused, the Rayad Group is discontinuing private advisory services for Golden Visas.” Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, had also said on Sunday that this is a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa.

The Rayad group also said that all visa decisions remain solely under the jurisdiction of the relevant UAE government authorities. “Our role has been limited to providing private advisory support to individuals, at their own discretion, seeking to apply through existing legal pathways.” PTI CORR ZH GSN GSN GSN