- The UAE has officially denied introducing a lifetime Golden Visa for any nationality.
- The rumor originated from a July 6 PTI report quoting a Dubai-based consultancy firm.
- Rayad Group, named in the PTI report, has since apologized for its misleading claims.
- All Golden Visa applications must go through official UAE government platforms.
- The UAE warned legal action against entities spreading false immigration offers for financial gain.
It Started With a ₹23 Lakh Promise
In the first week of July, widespread media coverage in India claimed the United Arab Emirates had launched a new type of Golden Visa available to Indian citizens via a nomination-based route. The supposed benefit? Long-term UAE residency without having to invest in property or a business.
The reports claimed that under this scheme, Indians could obtain a lifetime Golden Visa by paying AED 100,000—approximately ₹23.3 lakh. This narrative contrasted with existing Golden Visa regulations, which require individuals to invest at least AED 2 million in property or contribute significantly to the Emirati economy through business ventures.
Fueling the story was a report titled “Indians can now get UAE’s Golden Visa without trade license, property purchase” published by India’s Press Trust of India (PTI) on July 6, 2025.
DUBAI: “The United Arab Emirates government has started a new type of Golden Visa, which will be based on nomination, albeit with some conditions, unlike the current practice of investing large amounts in either property or business here,” PTI reported.
The report cited unnamed “beneficiaries and people involved in the process,” stating that Indians could enjoy the UAE’s Golden Visa for life by paying AED 100,000. However, it lacked any official confirmation from UAE authorities and heavily relied on information provided by one individual: Rayad Kamal Ayub, managing director of the UAE-based Rayad Group.
Early Coverage Centered on a Single Source
PTI’s report was republished across Indian and Gulf media including India Today, Republic, Business Standard, Hindustan Times, Times of Oman, CNBCTV18, Zee Business, Gulf News, The Hindu, and Indian Express. Many of these articles repeated key claims without independent verification.
Rayad Kamal Ayub was quoted extensively, asserting that the new visa “allows family sponsorship, domestic staff, and business freedom,” and that “unlike property-based visas, it remains valid permanently.”
PTI added that Rayad Group would assess applicants for background issues such as criminal records and money laundering, conduct social media screenings, and evaluate their potential contributions to UAE society before submitting profiles to UAE authorities for final approval.
But crucially, the report did not cite a single government official or link to any UAE government communication. The absence of an official source left many immigration lawyers and observers questioning the credibility of the claims.
The Story Begins to Crack
While the story gained momentum online and through social media influencers, fact-checkers began examining the claims. No official government body in the UAE had made any such announcement. Immigration consultants, legal professionals, and Gulf-based media called attention to the lack of documentation and the risks of misleading coverage.
The Government Responds
On July 8, 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued an official statement through the Emirates News Agency (WAM), firmly denying the viral claims.
The ICP stressed that the UAE’s Golden Visa framework is governed by official laws and ministerial decisions. No internal or external consultancy has the legal authority to handle applications outside the government platforms.
The Authority warned the public to avoid paying fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to process such visas, and confirmed that all applications must be done exclusively through its smart application or website. Legal action would be taken against those spreading false claims or attempting to collect money under false pretenses.
Consultancy Firm Walks It Back
Facing widespread backlash, Rayad Group issued a public apology, acknowledging that its statements were “misplaced and misleading.” The firm announced it would immediately cease its Golden Visa advisory operations, citing miscommunication and unintended confusion. No official UAE ministry has verified the company’s claims.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Visa remains a valuable opportunity for long-term residency in the UAE, but access is strictly regulated. Eligible applicants must meet investment, academic, or professional benchmarks outlined clearly by the UAE government.
This episode serves as a cautionary tale on the importance of media responsibility and verification—especially when it comes to immigration and legal residency. The UAE continues to encourage transparency and direct engagement through its verified digital portals and helpline: 600522222.
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