Dubai’s Rayad Group has issued an apology for spreading false claims about a lifetime UAE Golden Visa costing ₹23.30 lakh. The UAE’s ICP has denied any such rule change, urging applicants to rely on official channels.
In a recent turn of events, Dubai-based visa consultancy Rayad Group has found itself at the center of a firestorm after making misleading claims about the UAE Golden Visa. The company, on Wednesday, publicly issued an apology and took full responsibility for spreading what the UAE government has now officially termed as “incorrect” and “legally unfounded” information.
Let’s break down what happened, what the UAE government clarified, and why this has major implications for visa seekers.
The Core of the Controversy: Lifetime Golden Visa Claims
Rayad Group, a visa advisory firm operating out of Dubai, claimed in a public statement that the UAE government was offering lifetime Golden Visas for a fee of approximately ₹23.30 lakh (around $27,900). This statement immediately drew public attention and, more importantly, scrutiny from the UAE authorities.
The claim suggested that foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, could obtain lifetime residency in the UAE through simplified procedures handled by private consultancies like Rayad Group. However, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) was quick to deny these claims.
Rayad Group’s Apology: Admitting Fault
In its official apology, Rayad Group stated:
“We apologise unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary, and we take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE’s stringent regulatory frameworks.”
Rayad Group, a Dubai-based visa advisory company, has publicly apologised for spreading false information that the UAE was offering a lifetime Golden Visa to Indians for around ₹23.30 lakh.#Dubai #UAE #UAEGoldenVisa #GoldenVisa #RayadGroup | @surbhiglori
— Business Standard (@bsindia) July 10, 2025
Full story… pic.twitter.com/uDProDUPmp
The company admitted that statements made by its Managing Director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, were “misplaced” and contributed to the misinterpretation of both the group’s role and the nature of the visa program.
They further clarified:
“These statements did not accurately reflect our intent, our scope of services, or the limitations of our authority in relation to the UAE Golden Visa programme. To reiterate with full clarity: no guaranteed visa, fixed-price programme, or lifetime residency product currently exists.”
Company Steps Back from Golden Visa Advisory
As a result of the confusion and public outcry, Rayad Group has now officially discontinued its private advisory services for Golden Visas. In a notable change of tone, the group affirmed:
“All visa decisions are made solely by the UAE government authorities.”
They added that going forward, they would ensure all messaging strictly adheres to UAE regulations and official guidelines.
ICP Denies Rule Changes: Golden Visa Conditions Remain Unchanged
In parallel, the UAE government acted swiftly to clear the air. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued a stern clarification, stating that the information circulated by Rayad Group had no legal standing.
Their statement, released on Wednesday, said:
“The Authority had recently observed news articles from a consultancy office based in another country, suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions. These claims have no legal basis.”
ICP emphasized that:
- All Golden Visa applications are processed solely through official government channels.
- No private consultancy has been authorized to guarantee or issue Golden Visas.
- The categories and eligibility conditions are governed by clear legal frameworks and ministerial decisions.
What Is the ₹23.30 Lakh Fee About?
While Rayad Group’s marketing highlighted a ₹23.30 lakh price tag, the ICP clarified that this was not an official government fee. Instead, this amount appeared to be Rayad Group’s own service charge for facilitating the application process—further contributing to the confusion among prospective visa applicants.
The ICP reiterated that no fixed-price, lifetime visa scheme exists under current UAE law.
Legal Ramifications and Warnings Issued
In a further step to curb such misinformation, the ICP stated that legal action will be taken against entities attempting to mislead the public or illegally collect money by exploiting their aspirations.
The authority stated:
“The Federal Authority reaffirms its commitment to maintaining transparency and safeguarding applicants from fraud. No entity outside government institutions can guarantee visa issuance. We urge everyone to rely solely on official digital platforms.”
They strongly advised the public:
- Do not pay any fee or submit personal documents to unauthorized parties.
- Avoid responding to social media ads or unverifiable online claims.
- Verify all information through the ICP official website or call center 600522222, available 24/7.
Golden Visa in UAE: What You Need to Know (2025)
The UAE Golden Visa program was launched to attract skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and outstanding students. However, as of July 2025, the program has defined eligibility categories, such as:
- Investors in public investments or real estate
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals with exceptional talent (art, sports, science, etc.)
- Doctors and specialists
- Outstanding students and graduates
Each application is subject to strict review, and approval is entirely at the discretion of UAE government authorities.
Application Process
Applicants must:
- Fulfill eligibility under one of the approved categories
- Submit their application through the ICP’s official portal or other approved channels
- Undergo security and background checks
- Pay only the government-mandated fees (significantly lower than private consultancy charges)
A Wake-Up Call for Visa Seekers
The controversy surrounding Rayad Group’s misstatements serves as a critical reminder: Due diligence is essential when dealing with immigration or visa consultants.
In today’s digital age, where misleading advertisements can quickly go viral, it’s vital that prospective applicants:
- Rely only on official government sources
- Avoid offers that sound “too good to be true”
- Understand that only the UAE government can issue or approve Golden Visas
By admitting fault and stepping back, Rayad Group has tried to correct course—but the incident has sparked wider conversations about the need for regulation, clarity, and transparency in visa consultancy services operating within and outside the UAE.
Always verify before you apply. Your future deserves nothing less than complete transparency.
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