In a significant clarification, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has denied reports suggesting that Indians and Bangladeshis can obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa by paying approximately ₹23 lakh (around AED 100,000). This official rebuttal comes amid a surge of social media posts and news articles claiming that the UAE has launched a permanent residency program for select South Asian nationals.
The UAE government has termed such reports “misleading and inaccurate,” emphasizing that the UAE Golden Visa, though long-term in nature, does not offer lifetime residency and does not operate on a fixed rate fee structure as claimed.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long term residency visa introduced in 2019, aimed at attracting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and exceptional students. It allows the holder to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with 100% ownership of their businesses on the UAE mainland.
The visa is usually issued for a period of 5 or 10 years, depending on the eligibility criteria met by the applicant. It can be renewed, subject to meeting specific conditions laid out by the UAE’s immigration authorities.
Viral ₹23 Lakh Claim
In recent weeks, various Indian media outlets and influencers on platforms like YouTube and Instagram claimed that the UAE had launched a “lifetime” UAE Golden Visa for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals at a price of ₹23 lakh or AED 100,000.
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Some of these posts included:
- Claims that Indian and Bangladeshi professionals could buy lifetime residency.
- Package deals promoted by private agents or immigration consultants.
- Testimonials from individuals claiming to have availed such schemes.
These claims gained massive traction online, particularly among South Asian expatriates in the Gulf region, sparking both interest and confusion.
UAE Government’s Response
In a formal statement issued by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), officials confirmed:
“There is no such thing as a lifetime UAE Golden Visa. The visa system remains governed by strict eligibility and renewal criteria. Any claims suggesting a lifetime visa in exchange for AED 100,000 are false and potentially fraudulent.”
The UAE government urged residents and foreign nationals to rely only on official government portals for accurate information regarding visa rules and eligibility.
The statement further warned that any individual or agency spreading misinformation could face legal action, and potential applicants were advised to avoid dealing with unlicensed consultants.
Eligibility Criteria for UAE Golden Visa
While the lifetime visa claim has been debunked, it’s worth revisiting who is eligible for the legitimate UAE Golden Visa:
1. Investors:
- Public investments through deposits or real estate worth at least AED 2 million.
- 10 year renewable visa.
2. Entrepreneurs
- Owners of registered startups with annual revenue of AED 1 million or more.
- 5 or 10 year visa depending on business status.
3. Skilled Professionals:
- Individuals in fields like medicine, science, IT, engineering, and education.
- Requires a monthly salary of AED 30,000 or above.
- Typically offered 10 year visas.
4. Outstanding Students & Graduates
- High performing students in UAE universities or top global institutions.
- 5 or 10 year visa depending on academic performance.
5. Scientists & Researchers
- Must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council.
- 10 year renewable visa.
Notably, nationality does not restrict eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa; individuals from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many other countries can apply if they meet the criteria.
Beware of Scams and Misinformation
The recent misinformation wave highlights a growing black market of unauthorized agents promising UAE residency in exchange for hefty fees. Immigration experts and legal advisors warn:
- Always verify with official UAE government websites such as icp.gov.ae or u.ae.
- Avoid cash deals or unregistered third party agents.
- Do not share personal documents like passports or bank statements with unknown sources.
Indians in UAE and Golden Visa Uptake
The Indian diaspora forms the largest expatriate community in the UAE, with over 3.5 million Indians living and working across the Emirates. Many Indian professionals in medicine, technology, finance, and education have already been granted the UAE Golden Visa in recent years.
Some notable Indian personalities holding the UAE Golden Visa include:
- Actor Shah Rukh Khan
- Businessman Yusuf Ali (Lulu Group)
- Cricketer MS Dhoni
- Actress Kriti Sanon
However, all of them qualified through standard procedures under investor, professional, or celebrity categories not via blanket “lifetime visa” payments.
Reactions from the Indian Community
Following the UAE’s clarification, many Indians have voiced concerns over being misled by YouTube influencers and unverified news portals. Social media has witnessed users demanding accountability from those who spread false claims.
An IT professional from Abu Dhabi told:
“I almost contacted an agent after watching a viral video claiming I could secure a UAE Golden Visa forever by paying ₹23 lakh. Thankfully, I checked the official site first.”
Conclusion
The UAE’s strong rebuttal against rumors of a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for Indians and Bangladeshis underscores the need for vigilance in the era of viral misinformation. While the UAE Golden Visa continues to be a golden opportunity for professionals and investors seeking long-term residency in the Gulf, no shortcut or “lifetime” guarantee exists.
Anyone looking to apply should carefully review government guidelines and avoid falling prey to unauthorized consultants or social media “experts.” The legitimate UAE Golden Visa remains a prestigious but conditional privilege, not a commodity for sale.
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