Indian nationals in the UAE have been warned against fraudulent visa and migration agencies.
In an advisory dated October 12, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates said they had received complaints against agencies advertising third-country employment and residency visa services through social media.
The missions cautioned Indians against relying solely on online advertisements or trusting private visa processing agencies, particularly those operating outside India, according to Khaleej Times. Such agencies allegedly collect money from applicants but fail to provide the promised services or return the fees.
They were also asked to consult official government and embassy websites for accurate and updated information.
“Never pay any amount based on promises of visa approval,” the missions said, according to Khaleej Times, warning applicants against placing blind trust in private visa processing intermediaries. The advisory stressed that no private agency can guarantee visa approval, as the final decision rests solely with the government issuing the visa. Indian nationals were advised not to share passport details, Emirates ID information or biometric data with unauthorised persons. Biometric information required for official procedures should be provided only at authorised UAE government facilities.