Indian travellers in UAE advised to vet migration agents before paying fees

Indian diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have issued an advisory warning Indian nationals against fraudulent visa and migration agencies that collect fees for overseas employment and residency services but fail to deliver or refund applicants. The advisory is dated 12 October 2026.

Key facts

• Issued on 12 October 2026 by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates
• Targets Indian nationals in the UAE dealing with visa and migration agencies
• Follows complaints about agencies advertising third-country employment and residency visa services on social media
• A separate warning was issued earlier, on 24 August 2026, over unauthorised intermediaries

What has triggered the warning?

The missions said they had received complaints against agencies advertising employment and residency visa services for third countries through social media. These agencies allegedly take money from applicants and then neither provide the promised services nor return the fees.

The missions cautioned Indians against relying only on online advertisements or trusting private visa processing agencies, particularly those operating outside India.

What should applicants do before paying?

The missions urged anyone seeking employment or residency opportunities abroad to check the credibility of visa processing agencies before making any payment. Visa requirements, application procedures and authorised channels should be verified directly with the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the applicant's country of residence.

Applicants were also asked to consult official government and embassy websites for accurate and updated information. The advisory stressed that no private agency can guarantee visa approval, since the final decision rests solely with the government issuing the visa.

The missions' message was direct: "Never pay any amount based on promises of visa approval".

What was the earlier warning about?

An earlier advisory from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, dated 24 August 2026, flagged unauthorised individuals offering help with visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, Emirates IDs and employment-related procedures.

That advisory warned that personal documents and biometric information shared with unauthorised people could be misused to open bank accounts and obtain loans and credit cards without the victim's knowledge. Indian nationals were advised not to share passport details, Emirates ID information or biometric data with unauthorised persons, and to provide biometric information for official procedures only at authorised UAE government facilities. The embassy directed those needing assistance to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra.

What this means for travellers

Indian nationals in the UAE are being told to verify any immigration-related claim through official channels and to be cautious before paying agents or handing over personal information. Checks should be made with the destination country's embassy or consulate before any fee is paid, and biometric data should be given only at authorised UAE government facilities.

The missions have not announced any further steps or dates in connection with the advisory.