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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UAE Golden Visa: Rayad Group apologises for false ₹23.3 lakh lifetime claim
A Dubai-based visa advisory company has publicly apologised for spreading false information that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was offering a lifetime Golden Visa to Indians for around ₹23.30 lakh. Rayad Group, which had been cited in multiple media reports including one by PTI, issued a statement on Wednesday saying it took 'full responsibility' for the confusion caused by its earlier comments. It added that its communications had been 'incorrect' and would be more accurate in future. 'We apologise unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary, and we take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE's stringent regulatory frameworks,' the company said in a statement to Khaleej Times. Rayad Group's managing director Rayad Kamal Ayub had earlier said that the scheme was a 'golden opportunity' for Indians. However, the company has now withdrawn from providing any private advisory services related to Golden Visas. ICP says no lifetime visa exists The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) dismissed the claims, saying the news had 'no legal basis'. It confirmed that no lifetime UAE residency product exists and that applications must be submitted only through official government channels. '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,' the ICP said in a public clarification. The authority warned that legal action would be taken against any party attempting to collect money under false pretences. It urged applicants to rely solely on official sources and not to share personal documents or make payments to unofficial entities. 'All Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE,' the statement said. PTI report based on Rayad's claims PTI had earlier reported that India and Bangladesh were part of the first phase of testing a new nomination-based Golden Visa and that Rayad Group had been chosen to facilitate the pilot in India. The report suggested that Indian nationals could obtain a Golden Visa by paying AED 100,000 (around ₹23.30 lakh). The Rayad Group clarified on Wednesday that the ₹23.30 lakh figure was their service fee, not a visa fee levied by the UAE government. '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,' it said. The company added 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'. Immigration expert calls it a scam Speaking to Business Standard, immigration attorney Prashant Ajmera of Ajmera Law Group said the so-called scheme was 'fake, generated by those wanting to scam Indians'. 'Such entities target Indians because they understand that there's a market here for those who wish to live abroad, particularly in countries like the UAE,' he said. He also pointed out that the UAE does not offer citizenship to foreigners under any of its immigration schemes. 'Always check official government details and consult reputed immigration attorneys,' Ajmera advised.
Mint
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
UAE Golden Visa: Dubai's Rayad Group takes ‘responsibility' for creating confusion, says ‘no GUARANTEED visa exists'
A Dubai-based visa advisory service company - Rayad Group - on Wednesday issued an apology and accepted 'full responsibility' for spreading 'incorrect' information about UAE Golden Visa, claiming that the government will offer a lifetime visa for approximately ₹ 23.30 lakh. The apology came after UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) dismissed reports, which quoted Rayad group as saying 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. ICP clarified that the Rayad Group's statement had no legal standing. It seems the mentioned amount of ₹ 23.30 lakh is referred to the ₹ 23.30 lakh fee that it would charge for facilitating the golden visa under the UAE immigration rules. "We apologise unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary, and we take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE's stringent regulatory frameworks," the Rayad Group said in a statement. "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," it said. "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," it said. On Sunday, Rayad Group MD Rayad Kamal Ayub called it a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa. By Wednesday, the company clarified that all visa decisions are made solely by the UAE government authorities. "We concur with the statement issued by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which affirms that all Golden Visa applications must be processed through official, government-approved channels," it added.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
UAE says there no lifetime Golden Visa at Rs 23 lakh for 'certain nationalities'
Agencies Representative image. UAE's 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 country is granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities, said Emirates News Agency clarified that the categories, conditions, and regulations of the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions. Interested individuals can find the official information on the Authority's website or smart application. It 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 reports of the launch of a pilot programme for a new kind of golden visa by the UAE had set social media abuzz with excitement. Unsurprisingly, the story had gone viral on Indian social media. Investment visas and residency programmes had been lapped up with great zeal by well-heeled Indian citizens in recent years.A top golden visa consultant based in Dubai had already told ET that United Arab Emirates authorities were unaware of any change in Golden Visa rules that would allow Indian citizens to purchase a lifetime Golden Visa to the Emirate on apayment of AED 100,000. No legal basis The Authority, as per the report 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 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. Too good to be true While controversial, such visa programmes have become a common route for wealthy families globally to relocate for tax, lifestyle, education and other the prospect of a lifetime visa to enable relocation to Dubai, a city of choice for many, at the price of a mid-range SUV, seemed too good to be all started with a story by the wire service PTI, disseminated widely, that claimed a new kind of golden visa was being piloted by UAE for India and Bangladesh, which would dramatically lower the financial outlay from about Rs 4 crore of investment to a mere Rs 23 lakh. The story made the distinction that this new kind of nomination-based visa was being offered in a test phase to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. The story quoted Rayad Kamal Ayub, MD of Rayad group, a consultant that has just launched an advisory programme for the UAE golden visa with visa services provider VFS Global, in India and Bangladesh. But the nomination-based route, which recognises an individual's ability to contribute to the economy of the UAE, and does not require any financial investment, has existed from the beginning of the golden visa programme in 2019 and is entirely granted at the discretion of the UAE government. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Newton vs. industry: Inside new norms that want your car to be more fuel-efficient India's gas dream runs on old pipes. Can a European fix unclog the future? Is gold always the best bet? Think again Can this cola maker get back bubble valuation pricked by Ambani? Stock Radar: Metropolis Healthcare breaks out from 2-month consolidation; likely to retest 2,000 levels For risk-takers, it is time to review & reinvest: 5 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 38% in 1 year These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 25% Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal raises target on SRF; Nuvama sees over 20% upside in Phoenix Mills
Time Out Dubai
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
UAE golden visa advisory service for Bangladeshis launched
A newly launched visa advisory service means that Bangladeshis can begin the application process for the highly sought-after UAE golden visa without leaving their home country. The UAE golden visa is one of the most highly sought-after documents around, offering holders long-term residency without the need for a sponsor. A new advisory service by VFS Global will assist eligible Bangladeshi applicants with their applications for the UAE golden visa. Since the announcement by VFS Global, the UAE government has reiterated 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 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security also clarified that any claims that suggest that 'lifetime golden visas' could be obtained outside the UAE under simplified conditions via consulting or commercial entities hold no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities. The ICP also urged applicants to avoid paying any fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to provide golden visa application services. Eligible UAE golden visa candidates include business owners, professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives and influencers, and there are no requirements to invest in real estate or establish a company in the UAE. You may like: Every UAE golden visa category explained Golden visa holders will also be able to sponsor their spouse, children (including adult children), parents and household staff. The new advisory service is the result of a partnership between VFS Global's Education, Trade and Migration Services and global immigration experts Rayad Group. Applicants can access the VFS Global advisory service here or call +880 1739 861116. The UAE golden visa process just got easier for Bangladeshis (Credit: Canva) Bangladeshis can get guidance on how to start their applications at the Centre of Excellence, jointly set up by VFS ETM and Ryad Group, in Dhaka. The centre will utilise advancements in AI technology alongside legal expertise to assist individuals with migration processes and compliance with immigration regulations. The visa enables expats to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and allows longer-term residency without the need for regular visa appointments. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, explained why the UAE is such a desirable destination. He said: 'The United Arab Emirates' unique blend of economic stability, favourable tax policies, and luxurious living standards positions it as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities and an elevated quality of life. Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, added that there's a high demand for the UAE golden visa. She said: 'We believe there is strong demand for immigration advisory services, particularly for the UAE Golden Visa. 'In line with our customer-first policy we are delighted to roll out this solution that empowers applicants to get sound understanding of the immigration process and take informed decisions.' In other Dubai news The incredible music festivals coming soon to Dubai The big events to know about All the best concerts and gigs coming to Dubai in 2025 There's a show for every taste 16 brilliant Dubai staycation deals to snap up this summer From free breakfasts to spa treatments
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Unclear Path leads to UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 Lakh
While reports of the launch of a pilot programme for a new kind of golden visa by the UAE has set social media abuzz with excitement, visa aspirants and consultants are groping in the dark in the absence of any official communication, causing frustration and scepticism. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads While reports of the launch of a pilot programme for a new kind of golden visa by the UAE has set social media abuzz with excitement, visa aspirants and consultants are groping in the dark in the absence of any official communication, causing frustration and wide-ranging media reports in India have said UAE is piloting a new kind of golden visa, there have been no reports in the UAE media, or in the Emirates News Agency, which disseminates all official notifications. Unsurprisingly, the story has gone viral on Indian social media. Investment visas and residency programmes have been lapped up with great zeal by well-heeled Indian citizens in recent controversial, such visa programmes have become a common route for wealthy families globally to relocate for tax, lifestyle, education and other reasons. Therefore the prospect of a lifetime visa to enable relocation to Dubai, a city of choice for many, at the price of a mid-range SUV, seemed too good to be true. It might well be.A top golden visa consultant based in Dubai says that United Arab Emirates authorities were unaware of any change in Golden Visa rules that would allow Indian citizens to purchase a lifetime Golden Visa to the Emirate on a payment of AED 100, Marconi, ex-CEO of ECH Group (according to Khaleej Times the largest golden visa facilitator in the region), told ET over phone from Dubai that he has been getting calls from India ever since this news came out.'I checked with the authorities here, and they say they have no such information. So, the news is likely to be untrue. The only new update they have is that crypto investors won't be considered for the Golden Visa scheme. I checked with the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai) also, they too said they don't have any information on this. I also checked with a couple of officials here who are in the same line of work, they also said they don't have any information in this regard.'It all started with a story by the wire service PTI, disseminated widely, that claimed a new kind of golden visa was being piloted by UAE for India and Bangladesh, which would dramatically lower the financial outlay from about ₹4 crore of investment to a mere ₹23 lakh. The story made the distinction that this new kind of nomination-based visa was being offered in a test phase to Indian and Bangladeshi story quoted Rayad Kamal Ayub, MD of Rayad group, a consultant that has just launched an advisory programme for the UAE golden visa with visa services provider VFS Global, in India and the nomination-based route, which recognises an individual's ability to contribute to the economy of the UAE, and does not require any financial investment, has existed from the beginning of the golden visa programme in 2019 and is entirely granted at the discretion of the UAE government.'Nomination-based UAE golden visa with no investment requirement is not new at all. Many of us working in this space have helped our clients get such visas and continue to do so. There has been no intimation from any official sources that any policy change has happened with regard to the UAE golden visa,' said Rajneesh Pathak of Mumbai-based residency and citizenship consultant Golden UAE golden visa also offered a path through real estate investments as well as job creation, by investing in businesses. This route, which required an investment of AED 2 million, or more than ₹4.66 crore, helped Dubai developers market high-value properties as 'Golden Visa eligible'.If the visa regime is liberalised, the sector could be impacted. 'Around 7-8% of Dubai properties sold every year involve Indians aiming for Golden Visa and that segment will see an impact. The developers' supply and pricing strategies will see a change,' said Ritesh Mehta, senior director, residential services, JLL the UAE has not issued a statement on the matter, relevant UAE authorities have clarified that the Golden Visa initiative remains a government-regulated programme. The UAE visa 'is not for sale,' a highly placed official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.'Golden Visas may be granted by the UAE government on several grounds, including but not limited to real estate investment to the tune of AED 2 million, business ownership, and distinguished contributions in fields such as science, medicine, the arts, culture, media, and sport. All nominations undergo a government-led vetting process, even those coming from authorised agents, with the final decision resting solely with UAE authorities,' an official message Vision Dubai 2033 document envisages doubling of the UAE economy and recognises that increasing the population of the country would be a key necessity in that journey. Tactically therefore, the gulf nation might eventually liberalise its visa scheme for upper income segments from other nations. But on whether it has already done so, there are few indications.
