UAE authority denies reports related to Golden Visa rules
ICP says categories, conditions, and regulations of Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by media outlets and websites regarding the country granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities, according to Emirates News Agency Wam.
It has reportedly denied the recent reports of Golden Visa that could be purchased for a one-time fee of Dirhams 1 lakh (Rs 23 lakh) for Indian nationals and others. This, however, is not confirmed.
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According to local media in the UAE, the ICP described the reports as “false rumours circulating in the local and international media and websites”.
'No legal basis'
“These claims have no legal basis and were made without referring to the competent authorities in the UAE,” the ICP said in a statement.
ICP 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.
On July 6, news agency PTI reported that the UAE 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.
What report claimed
Under the “new nomination-based visa policy,” Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (INR around 23.30 lakh), beneficiaries and people involved in the process told PTI.
Over 5,000 Indians will apply for this nomination-based visa in three months, they said.
As per the PTI report, India and Bangladesh have been selected for the first phase of testing this visa, and a consultancy named Rayad Group has been chosen to test the initial form of the nomination-based golden visa in India.
Now, it is not clear whether the Rs 23 lakh Golden Visa itself is not true, or whether the UAE government is just cautioning against the use of private agencies to procure it.