The Consulate General of India in Dubai issued a trilingual advisory on 12 October 2026 cautioning Indians worldwide against using unverified private agents who promise third-country work permits. The three-page notice, available in English, Hindi and Malayalam, cites a surge in complaints about agencies operating via social-media ads that collect hefty fees and then disappear. Key Take-Aways • No agency can ‘guarantee’ a visa; the decision rests solely with the issuing government. • Applicants should verify visa requirements directly with the destination country’s embassy or on official government websites. • Payment should never be made on the promise of approval, and contracts must include refund clauses. Why It Matters The Gulf is a staging ground for Indian migrant workers heading to Europe, Canada and the Far East. Scam losses typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh per person, and victims also risk immigration bans for submitting forged documents. Corporate mobility managers should circulate the advisory to employees’ families, who are often targeted by fraudulent recruiters. Practical Guidance 1. Direct staff to use the government-run eMigrate portal for overseas jobs requiring clearance. 2. Insist that relocation suppliers hold ISO 27001 and recognised immigration-law licences. 3. Report suspected fraud to the consulate’s dedicated email: [email protected]. The consulate said it would coordinate with UAE authorities to prosecute offenders, signalling a tougher stance that could lead to criminal proceedings and name-and-shame listings.
