The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has warned Indian nationals in the UAE against fraudsters and unauthorised agents promising help with visa regularisation, exit permits, Emergency Certificates, Emirates IDs and jobs.
The advisory comes after the Consulate received reports of Indian nationals, particularly those working in blue-collar jobs, being targeted by individuals falsely claiming to have access to government services or employment opportunities.
According to the Consulate, scammers may ask victims to hand over sensitive documents such as passports and Emirates IDs, along with biometric information including fingerprints, facial scans and eye scans. Such requests are often made under the pretext of completing official procedures.
The Consulate has cautioned that criminals could misuse this information to carry out financial transactions, open bank accounts or obtain loans and credit cards in the victim’s name without their knowledge. This could leave victims facing financial liabilities, penalties, travel restrictions and, in serious cases, legal consequences.
Indian citizens have been advised not to share their passports, Emirates IDs, biometric data or personal and financial information with unauthorised individuals or agencies.
The Consulate clarified that biometric information required for services such as exit permits, Outpasses, Emirates IDs or visa regularisation should only be provided at authorised UAE government facilities and official service counters.
It also stressed that fingerprint, facial or eye scans are not required for obtaining passports or Emergency Certificates at the Consulate General of India in Dubai or the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. Anyone claiming to represent the Indian mission and demanding such biometric information for these services should be treated as a fraudster.
Indians who are approached by suspicious agents or asked to provide biometric information or identity documents have been advised to verify the person’s credentials before proceeding and report suspicious activity to the Indian mission and relevant UAE authorities.
For verification and assistance, Indian citizens can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra at 80046342 (toll-free). Support is also available through WhatsApp or SMS at 00971543090571, or via email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
The Consulate has urged Indian citizens living in or travelling to the UAE to remain alert, verify claims made by agents and use only authorised government channels for visa, immigration and other official services.
