VFS denies involvement in false claims about ‘lifetime UAE Golden Visa for Dh100,000’

Hours after reports claiming that the UAE was offering lifetime residency through a Golden Visa for Dh100,000 went viral, particularly across Indian media outlets, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has categorically denied these reports, stating that no such scheme exists.

On Monday, July 7, VFS Global’s Education, Trade & Migration (VFS ETM) Services, a unit of VFS Global in partnership with the Rayad Group, issued a press release stating they were offering advisory services for the Golden Visa application and nomination for Indian nationals based in India.

Following the spread of misinformation online, Gulf News reached out to VFS Global for clarification. Below is the official statement from VFS Global:

“VFS ETM Services-FZCO entered into a non-exclusive referral agreement with Rayad group Management LLE FZ. Rayad Group authorized VFS ETM to receive enquiries from individuals interested in the UAE Golden Visa scheme.

Our role was strictly limited to informing interested individuals about the services offered by the Rayad Group and direct such individuals to Rayad Group. It was the responsibility of the Rayad Group to share profile of such interested individuals with the competent authority authorized to take the final decision on the eligibility to apply for the visa.

We continue to comply fully with all the applicable laws and regulations in the UAE.”

On Monday, Gulf News published a report after confirming with VFS that the advisory service existed. In the report, VFS clarified that the service was limited to referrals only and had no connection with the lifetime visa claims being reported.