The UAE government has categorically denied the existence of any new “Golden Visa” program priced at approximately ₹23 lakh (about AED 100,000) targeted at Indians and Bangladeshis, calling recent viral claims on social media and in sections of the press “incorrect and unfounded.”
Over the past few days, a series of reports and influencer posts indicated that Dubai had launched a special residence visa scheme, reportedly for 5,000 people from India and Bangladesh on a nomination basis, with a charge of about ₹23 lakh. The reports went viral on social media sites, leading to arguments regarding tax migration, India’s brain drain, and top-class mobility.
However, the UAE authorities clarified this week that no such initiative has been launched. “There is no new Golden Visa program as described in these reports,” an official statement confirmed, urging the public to rely only on verified government announcements.
The “Golden Visa” is indeed a real, longstanding program in the UAE, offering long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and exceptional talent, but its criteria and fees are clearly outlined on official portals. The specific scheme being discussed, with a price tag of ₹23 lakh for Indians and Bangladeshis, appears to have originated from promotional material circulated by private consultancy firms in the business of helping individuals relocate to Dubai.
Observers pointed out that the story’s origins a private company’s pitch, should have raised red flags from the outset. Yet, many media outlets and influencers repeated the claims without corroborating them with government sources.
Commenting on the episode, business commentator Jayant Mundhra wrote on LinkedIn: “It was clear from Day 1 that something was off. Such a big development, yet the source was just a private company, not the UAE government. But no one applied their brains. A circus ensued, one reel, post, and tweet at a time.”
Mundhra highlighted how sensationalism and the rush for clicks often overshadow basic journalistic due diligence. “Read the news,” he advised, “but also question what sounds beyond obvious. Most often, it’s a lie or an exaggeration.”
This incident highlights the need for fact-checking, especially immigration and financial issues. With more Indians venturing out, misleading reports on residency and citizenship schemes may mislead and take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
The UAE also continues to receive foreign investors and expertise under its current Golden Visa system, more information on which can be found on government websites of the UAE.
Dubai’s Golden Visa: Key Takeaways
- UAE has not launched a ₹23 lakh Golden Visa scheme for Indians and Bangladeshis.
- Viral claims originated from private consultancy promotions, not official announcements.
- The government has urged the public to ignore unverified reports and rely on official channels.
- Experts caution against uncritically trusting influencer posts or sensational headlines.
For accurate information about the UAE’s existing Golden Visa program, applicants should visit the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or consult licensed legal professionals.
Also Read: Why Indian Business Leaders and Sports Stars Are Moving to Dubai?
