Indian expatriates make up the largest foreign-born community in the United Arab Emirates, and many look to private consultants for immigration or overseas job placement services. On 12 October 2026 the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate-General of India in Dubai issued a joint advisory after receiving dozens of complaints from residents who paid sizeable fees to social-media-based visa brokers promising work permits for Canada, Australia and several European states. Victims say the firms disappeared once payments were made or returned passports bearing obviously forged entry stickers. The missions stressed that no private company can guarantee the issuance of a work or residence visa and urged Indian nationals to verify opportunities directly with destination-country embassies and official government portals. They also reminded residents that legitimate recruiters must be registered with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and that any placement fees are strictly capped under India’s Emigration Act. The advisory recommends confirming visa types, prevailing minimum wages and recruitment charges before signing contracts or handing over original documents. Fraudulent visa activity has increased in the Gulf as global labour shortages drive demand for healthcare, hospitality and tech talent. Scammers exploit this demand by advertising on TikTok, Instagram and messaging apps, often using deep-fake testimonials and limited-time “quota” claims to create urgency. The UAE’s strict cyber-crime law, however, imposes fines of up to AED 1 million and jail terms for forging visas or defrauding residents, and Dubai Police have arrested several suspects in recent months. For employers, the advisory is a timely reminder to scrutinise third-party recruitment partners and to insist on verifiable trade licences and accreditation numbers. HR teams are encouraged to circulate the warning internally, particularly to blue-collar staff who may be lured by offers to relocate family members or secure Canadian permanent residence. Individuals who have already paid bogus agents can file complaints with Dubai Police’s e-crime portal or contact the mission’s Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) helpline for assistance.
Source: Khaleej Times
