Key Takeaways
• No lifetime UAE Golden Visa exists for Rs 23 lakh; government denies such schemes outright.
• Rayad Group falsely claimed authorization to process 5,000 Indian lifetime Golden Visa applications.
• ICP warns to use only official channels and reports 600 522 222 helpline for scam assistance.
In July 2025, thousands of Indians learned that a widely advertised “lifetime UAE Golden Visa” for Rs 23 lakh was a scam. The UAE government quickly denied the existence of such a scheme, warning the public and promising legal action against those responsible. This incident highlights the risks faced by people seeking residency abroad and the importance of relying on official information.
How the Golden Visa Scam Unfolded
Early July 2025 saw a flood of news stories and social media posts in India and Bangladesh. These reports claimed that the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 had launched a new, easy way for Indians and Bangladeshis to get a lifetime Golden Visa. The offer sounded simple: pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (about Rs 23.3 lakh) and receive permanent residency in the UAE 🇦🇪, with no need for the usual large investments in property or business.
The Rayad Group, a consultancy firm, was named as the main company handling these applications. They claimed to work with well-known visa processing companies like VFS Global and One Vasco centers. According to their advertisements, the scheme would start with 5,000 Indian applicants in the first three months. They said eligibility was based on professional skills, social contributions, or the potential to help UAE 🇦🇪 sectors like culture, trade, science, startups, or finance.
For many, the offer seemed too good to pass up. The promise of lifetime residency in a country known for its safety, business opportunities, and high standard of living was very attractive. As a result, many people rushed to apply, hoping to secure a better future for themselves and their families.
UAE Government’s Swift and Clear Response
Within days, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) of the UAE 🇦🇪 issued a strong public statement. The ICP made it clear that:
- No such lifetime Golden Visa scheme exists for any nationality, including Indians.
- The official Golden Visa program continues to follow strict rules set by UAE 🇦🇦 laws and government decisions.
- All Golden Visa applications must be submitted only through official UAE government channels, such as the ICP website or the official smart app.
- The UAE government has not authorized any third-party consultants, agencies, or private firms to collect fees or process Golden Visa applications.
- The claims made by Rayad Group and others are completely false, misleading, and have no legal basis.
The ICP also warned the public to be careful and not to trust anyone asking for money or personal documents outside official channels. They announced that legal action would be taken against anyone spreading false information or trying to cheat applicants.
The official ICP helpline number, 600 522 222, was shared widely for anyone needing help or wanting to check the truth of visa offers.
The Impact on Indian Applicants
The false Golden Visa offer caused a wave of confusion and worry among thousands of Indians. Many believed they could finally get long-term residency in the UAE 🇦🇪 without the usual high costs or strict requirements. Some people paid large sums of money, hoping to secure their place in the program. Others shared personal documents with agents, putting themselves at risk of identity theft or further scams.
As the truth came out, many felt betrayed and angry. The incident led to a surge in calls and emails to both Indian and UAE 🇦🇪 authorities, with people desperate to know if their applications were real or if they had lost their money.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this case is a classic example of how scammers target people’s hopes for a better life abroad. The promise of an easy, affordable path to residency is very tempting, especially when it comes from companies that appear professional and trustworthy.
What Is the Real UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a real, official program launched in 2019. It allows certain foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE 🇦🇪 for up to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal. However, the real program has strict rules:
- Investment-based: Most applicants must invest at least AED 2 million (about Rs 4.6 crore) in property, business, or other approved assets.
- Talent-based: Some people can qualify based on their skills or achievements in fields like science, medicine, art, or sports.
- Professional merit: High-earning professionals, researchers, and outstanding students may also be eligible.
There is no such thing as a “lifetime” Golden Visa for a one-time fee of AED 100,000. All applications must go through the official ICP website or the government’s smart app. The UAE government does not allow private companies or agents to collect fees or process applications on its behalf.
Why Did the Scam Succeed?
Several factors made the scam believable and allowed it to spread quickly:
- Trusted Names: The Rayad Group claimed to work with well-known visa processing companies, making the offer seem official.
- Professional Marketing: The scheme was advertised through press releases, social media, and even news outlets, reaching a wide audience.
- High Demand: Many Indians want to live and work in the UAE 🇦🇪, so any new visa offer attracts attention.
- Complex Rules: The real Golden Visa program has detailed rules that can be hard to understand, making it easier for scammers to trick people.
Official Warnings and Public Advice
The UAE government’s response was clear and direct. The ICP advised everyone to:
- Check all information through official UAE government portals like the ICP website.
- Never pay fees or share personal documents with unauthorized agents or companies.
- Understand that the Golden Visa program still requires investment, professional merit, or talent, as set by UAE laws.
- Report any suspicious offers or agents to the ICP helpline at 600 522 222.
The government also said it would take legal action against anyone spreading false information or collecting money for fake visa schemes.
Expert and Media Reactions
Immigration experts quickly called out the scheme as “completely fake.” They explained that scams like this are common, especially when there is high demand for overseas residency. Experts stressed the need for people to rely only on official sources and to be careful with anyone promising easy solutions.
Media outlets and fact-checkers in both India and the UAE 🇦🇪 covered the story, warning the public about the dangers of visa scams. They pointed out that the UAE government has never offered a lifetime Golden Visa for a fixed fee, and that all real programs have clear, published rules.
The Role of Rayad Group and Other Companies
The Rayad Group was at the center of the controversy. They claimed to be the only authorized facilitator for the new Golden Visa scheme, working with VFS Global and One Vasco centers. However, the UAE government made it clear that no private company or consultant is allowed to process Golden Visa applications or collect fees.
The ICP’s statement left no doubt: Rayad Group’s claims were false and had no legal basis. The government said it would pursue legal action against any company or person involved in spreading these lies or taking money from applicants.
How to Protect Yourself from Visa Scams
Visa scams are not new, but they are becoming more common as more people look for ways to move abroad. Here are some simple steps to stay safe:
- Always use official government websites for visa information and applications. For the UAE Golden Visa, use the ICP website.
- Do not trust agents or companies that promise easy or guaranteed visas for a fee, especially if they ask for large sums of money upfront.
- Check the official eligibility rules for any visa program. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report suspicious offers to the authorities. In the UAE 🇦🇪, you can call the ICP helpline at 600 522 222.
- Keep personal documents safe and do not share them with anyone unless you are sure they are official and trustworthy.
The Bigger Picture: Visa Scams and Public Awareness
The 2025 Golden Visa scam is part of a larger trend. As more people seek to live and work in countries like the UAE 🇦🇪, scammers are finding new ways to trick them. These scams can cause real harm, including financial loss, identity theft, and dashed hopes.
The UAE government has promised to keep improving its public awareness campaigns and digital security to stop such scams. They urge everyone to stay informed and to check official sources before making any decisions about immigration.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you or someone you know has applied for the fake Golden Visa scheme or paid money to the Rayad Group or similar companies, here are the steps to take:
- Stop all contact with the company or agent.
- Do not pay any more money or share more documents.
- Report the incident to the UAE ICP using the helpline 600 522 222 or through the official website.
- Contact your local police or cybercrime unit if you have lost money or believe your identity may be at risk.
- Warn friends and family so they do not fall for similar scams.
The Real Path to a UAE Golden Visa
For those still interested in the UAE Golden Visa, it is important to understand the real process:
- Check the official eligibility criteria on the ICP website.
- Prepare the required documents (such as proof of investment, professional qualifications, or achievements).
- Submit your application directly through the official channels. There is no need to use a private agent or pay extra fees.
- Wait for official communication from the UAE government. All updates and decisions will come from the ICP, not from private companies.
The UAE Golden Visa remains a valuable opportunity for those who qualify, but it is not available through shortcuts or unauthorized agents.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Scams
The UAE government is expected to keep strengthening its systems to prevent visa fraud. This includes:
- More public education campaigns to help people spot scams.
- Better digital security on official websites and apps.
- Stronger legal action against those who try to cheat applicants.
Applicants should always stay alert, check official sources, and share information with others to help stop the spread of scams.
Key Takeaways
- There is no lifetime UAE Golden Visa for Rs 23 lakh. Any such offer is a scam.
- The UAE government has not authorized Rayad Group or any other private company to process Golden Visa applications or collect fees.
- All real Golden Visa applications must go through the official ICP website or smart app.
- If you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately to the ICP and your local authorities.
- Stay informed and use only official sources for immigration information.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the UAE Golden Visa and other immigration programs, always visit the official ICP website.
By staying alert and informed, applicants can protect themselves from scams and make smart choices about their future.
Learn Today
Golden Visa → An official UAE residency permit for up to 10 years requiring investment or talent eligibility.
ICP → Federal Authority overseeing identity, citizenship, customs, and port security in the UAE.
Rayad Group → A fraudulent consultancy falsely claiming authorization to process UAE Golden Visa applications.
Residency → The legal permission to live in a country for a specified period or indefinitely.
Helpline → A government telephone service providing information or assistance regarding visa and immigration issues.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, a fake lifetime UAE Golden Visa scam targeted Indians with a Rs 23 lakh fee. The UAE government quickly denied the scheme and urged applicants to use only official government channels to avoid fraud risks.
— By VisaVerge.com
