Abu Dhabi: Indian nationals living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been advised to remain vigilant against alleged fraudulent agencies offering jobs and residency visas. The Indian Embassy and consulates have received complaints against private agencies that advertise overseas employment and residency services on social media, collect money from applicants, but fail to deliver on their promises. In several cases, applicants have also reportedly been unable to recover the fees they paid.
In an advisory issued on October 12, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates urged Indian nationals to carefully verify claims made by agencies offering visa and migration services. Particular caution has been advised against agencies advertising jobs and residency visas in third countries through social media platforms.
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Do Not Blindly Trust Social Media Advertisements
According to the advisory, some private agencies attract applicants through online advertisements and promise to secure overseas employment or residency permits. However, after collecting fees, they allegedly fail to provide the promised services and, in some cases, refuse to refund the money.
Indians seeking employment or residency opportunities abroad have been advised not to make payments without first checking an agency’s credibility.
The missions cautioned that trusting an agency solely on the basis of online advertisements can be risky. Claims made by private visa agencies, particularly those operating outside India, should be independently verified. Applicants should obtain information about visa requirements, application procedures and authorised channels directly from the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
Beware of Agencies Guaranteeing Visa Approval
The Indian missions have emphasised that no private agency can guarantee visa approval. The final decision to issue or reject a visa rests solely with the government of the country concerned.
Applicants have therefore been warned against paying money to agents who promise guaranteed visa approval. They have also been advised to rely on the latest information available through official government and embassy websites before proceeding with an application.
Following these precautions can help reduce the risk of fraud and prevent complications arising from misleading information or unauthorised intermediaries.
Personal Documents and Biometric Information Also at Risk
The latest warning follows an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on August 24, cautioning nationals against unauthorised individuals claiming to assist with visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, Emirates IDs and employment-related procedures.
At the time, the embassy warned that personal documents and biometric information shared with unauthorised individuals could be misused. Such information could potentially be exploited to open bank accounts, obtain loans or secure credit cards without the victims’ knowledge.
Indian nationals have been advised not to share passport details, Emirates ID information or biometric data with unauthorised persons. Biometric information required for official procedures should be provided only at authorised UAE government facilities.
Use Authorised Channels for Assistance
The embassy has also directed Indian nationals requiring assistance to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra.
The Indian missions have reiterated that all claims related to immigration, employment and residency should be verified through official channels.
Those seeking jobs or residency abroad should check an agency’s credentials before making any payment and avoid handing over money based on promises of guaranteed visa approval.
Protecting personal documents and sensitive information, along with obtaining accurate details from official government sources, remains essential to reducing the risk of visa-related fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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