Golden Visa Gaffe: How Media Missteps Fueled Fake News on UAE Residency for Indians

A false narrative claiming UAE’s Golden Visa is available to Indians for ₹23 lakh went viral, exposing a troubling lapse in media verification practices


Earlier this week, several Indian media outlets breathlessly reported that Indian nationals could now obtain a UAE Golden Visa for a fixed payment of ₹23 lakh. The story promised a simplified, high-speed track to long-term residency in the Emirates—without professional achievements, entrepreneurial ventures, or investment benchmarks. It was, quite literally, too good to be true.

And it was.

On July 8, 2025, the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issued a sharp and unequivocal denial. “The Golden Visa is governed by regulations and legal criteria—not by a fixed fee or nationality-based access,” the ICP stated through official communication to media. The authority warned the public not to fall for deceptive campaigns claiming guaranteed visa approvals via payment. It further stated that all Golden Visa applications must be made through government-authorised platforms only, not private agents or consultancies.

 

The damage, however, had already been done.

The Anatomy of a Media Failure

The original story originated from promotional material circulated by Rayad Group, a Dubai-based consultancy, which marketed a “lifetime UAE Golden Visa” scheme targeting Indian applicants for ₹23 lakh. What began as a marketing ploy was soon elevated by mainstream and digital media in India, many of whom carried the claim without verifying its authenticity with UAE authorities or even citing government sources.

While the Golden Visa has existed since 2019, and does offer long-term residency to certain eligible investors, professionals, scientists, and creatives, there is no public policy or law that grants this status via a direct ₹23 lakh payment. The criteria are specific, merit-based, and differ by applicant profile—not nationality or ability to pay a flat sum.

Yet, despite this readily available information, the story spread like wildfire—fueled by algorithmic amplification and content syndication. Newsrooms rehashed the original claim in various formats: explainer videos, guides on how to apply, and speculative property purchase advice for new visa holders.

It took the ICP's public denial to finally halt the narrative. The Rayad Group, sensing legal heat, quickly backtracked and issued a public apology, stating: “We regret the confusion caused and acknowledge that the communication was misleading. We have withdrawn the campaign and will not offer any such service going forward.”

Lessons in Verification: A Vanishing Discipline?

The UAE Golden Visa hoax is a textbook example of the cost of media haste and the erosion of verification culture in journalism. Basic diligence—such as reaching out to the UAE embassy in India, consulting the ICP website, or referencing UAE legal frameworks—could have flagged the claim as false within minutes.

Instead, credibility took a back seat to virality. Few publications issued corrections after the ICP's clarification. None publicly acknowledged the lapse in editorial judgement.

This isn’t an isolated case. In an environment where social media virality often supersedes journalistic discipline, newsrooms are increasingly falling prey to narratives manufactured by private interests. In this instance, it was a consultancy firm looking to boost lead generation. Tomorrow, it could be something far more insidious.

Public Trust and Private Consequences

For thousands of Indians who read the reports and reached out to immigration agents, the clarification came too late. Multiple immigration forums reported spikes in queries and consultation requests based on the ₹23 lakh scheme. A few applicants had even begun compiling documents and wiring money before the story collapsed.

Such misreporting doesn’t just mislead—it exposes citizens to financial risk, reputational damage, and long-term consequences in foreign jurisdictions.

It also puts a strain on diplomatic ties. India and the UAE share a close strategic and economic partnership. Irresponsible reporting on immigration matters risks undermining that trust at both institutional and individual levels.

A Wake-up Call

This episode should serve as a wake-up call for Indian media. Speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy. Journalism—especially when dealing with immigration, visas, and public policy—must return to its foundational ethos: verify, then publish.

As the UAE’s ICP made clear, there is no fast-track Golden Visa on sale. And as this media misadventure revealed, there is no substitute for responsible reporting.