UAE Golden Visa: Why ₹23 Lakh isn’t enough - nomination-based route demands more than money
New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates’ newly launched nomination-based Golden Visa programme has drawn significant interest in India, with over 5,000 applicants expected in just three months. But despite the advertised cost of AED 100,000 (approx. ₹23.3 lakh), the visa is not guaranteed by money alone.
According to the UAE government, this long-term residency permit hinges on a range of eligibility criteria including professional background, contributions to society, and economic potential, not merely payment.
India & Bangladesh chosen for pilot phase
In the first phase of the rollout, India and Bangladesh have been selected to pilot the nomination-based system. In India, the process is being coordinated through Rayad Group, a consultancy authorised to accept and process applications locally, without requiring applicants to travel to the UAE initially.
Rayad Group MD, Rayad Kamal Ayub, explained that the visa process involves strict screening, including background checks for criminal records, financial credibility, and even social media activity. Only after this pre-approval phase will applications be forwarded to the UAE government for final selection.
Applications can be submitted through One Vasco centres in India and Bangladesh, via Rayad’s online portal, or through their official call centres.
Not one-size-fits-all: Category-wise requirements
Each Golden Visa category, investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and humanitarian workers has distinct benchmarks:
Investors must invest AED 2 million (approx. ₹4.67 crore) in property or funds (excluding loans), pay AED 250,000 annually in UAE taxes, and hold valid medical insurance.
Entrepreneurs need a business worth AED 500,000 (approx. ₹1.17 crore) in tech or innovation, backed by auditors and government-recognised incubators.
Specialised Talents, like scientists, artists, doctors, or senior executives, need endorsements from UAE bodies and may have to show high salaries and extensive experience.
Students eligible for the visa must be high school toppers (above 95%) or hold top GPAs in globally ranked universities.
Humanitarian Workers & Frontline Heroes must show documented service and recognition by authorised organisations.
Step-by-step application process
► Choose a category – Based on profession, background, or investment.
► Gather documents – Endorsements, financial records, ID proof, certificates.
► Apply through proper channel – Traditional route via ICP website/app or nomination route via Rayad Group, VFS Global, or One Vasco.
► Clear background check – For legal, financial, and digital credibility.
► Wait for approval – If accepted, applicants receive long-term UAE residency along with rights to live, work, sponsor family, and establish businesses.
The Golden Visa offers residency options ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on category and contributions.
The UAE’s move is being seen as an effort to attract top global talent and investments, while also tightening checks to ensure only genuine contributors are granted the prestigious visa.
While the ₹23 lakh fee may be the starting point, officials have stressed that the visa is not up for sale, it is reserved for those who bring real value to the Emirates.
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Kharge accuses PM Modi of terrorising political parties, people by misusing govt machinery
Chennai (PTI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "terrorising" political parties and people by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the opposition.
Addressing a press conference in Chennai alongside AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Kharge initially referred to the Prime Minister as a "terrorist" while criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP.
However, when pressed by reporters to clarify the context of the remark, the Congress chief stated he meant the Prime Minister was "terrorising" the democratic fabric of the country.
"He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). Terrorising this... he is misusing his power and government machinery and abusing, malingering opposition parties," Kharge said.
The Congress chief alleged that the Election Commission has become an "extension of the BJP office" and accused the Prime Minister of violating the Model Code of Conduct in the final stages of the election campaign. He further claimed that central agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax department were being deployed as tools of intimidation against political workers.
Kharge also hit out at the Centre over the Constitution Amendment Bill that sought to facilitate women's reservation by expanding the Lok Sabha and linking delimitation with it. He accused the Prime Minister of misleading the public by claiming the opposition defeated the Women's Reservation Bill, noting that it was passed in 2023 with unanimous support.
"If he truly intends to implement it, he can provide 33 per cent reservation to women within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats. Why is he not giving it?" Kharge argued.
He warned that the government’s plan for delimitation would "punish" progressive states, particularly in South India, for their success in population control. "They intended to deny the democratic rights of South Indian states, North Eastern states, and progressive states. Modi and Shah want to punish these states for their progress," he said.
Reaffirming the strength of the DMK-Congress alliance, both Kharge and Venugopal dismissed reports of a rift between Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, describing them as "like brothers."
Kharge reiterated the alliance's "key commitments" for the state, including Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for women and senior citizens, Rs 2,500 monthly for families for food security, and a promise to fill all government vacancies within 300 days.
He also criticised the Election Commission, alleging it was acting "like an extension of the BJP office" by failing to take note of what he termed the Prime Minister’s "violation of the model code of conduct”.
