The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai issued an advisory on Oct. 12, warning UAE nationals that private visa agencies are collecting fees for overseas employment and residency services without delivering on their promises. The warning follows a wave of complaints alleging that agencies advertise through social media and then vanish after taking money—sometimes leaving applicants with empty wallets and no paperwork.
The advisory cites cases where applicants paid up to 30,000 rupees and received no confirmation of visa processing. Embassy officials say the agencies claim to secure work in Gulf countries, yet no documents are issued. The consular offices urged citizens to check agency credentials before making payments.
An earlier advisory on Aug. 24 cautioned against unauthorised individuals offering assistance with visa regularisation, emergency certificates, and Emirates IDs. Those who shared passport details or biometric data risked misuse for bank accounts and credit cards. The embassy insists that biometric information should only be provided at authorised UAE government facilities.
Embassy officials advise verifying visa requirements and application procedures through official consular websites. They also caution that no private agency can guarantee visa approval, as the decision rests with the issuing government. Citizens can seek assistance from the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra if they suspect fraud.
Rohit Sharma, a 27‑year‑old software engineer, paid 15,000 rupees to a so‑called agency and has yet to receive any paperwork. He says he was promised a work permit for the UAE but was left with a blank receipt. His case illustrates the growing problem of unscrupulous intermediaries.
The embassy will maintain a hotline for reporting fraudulent agencies and will work with UAE authorities to investigate claims. It also encourages locals to report incidents to the police and the consular office.