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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New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued contempt notices to a litigant and his lawyers for making "scurrilous allegations" against a sitting judge of the Telangana High Court in their plea.

The top court, while issuing the show cause notices to the petitioner and his lawyers, refused to allow withdrawal of the petition, and said, “We cannot permit judges to be out in a box and allow any litigant to make such allegations against a judge. Here we were trying to protect lawyers.”

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a transfer plea filed by petitioner N Peddi Raju filed through advocate-on-record Ritesh Patil.

The petition involved a case in which Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had received relief from a high court in a matter under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

“Here we were trying to protect lawyers, but this kind of conduct cannot be condoned,” the bench, which earlier heard another suo motu case pertaining to summoning of lawyers by the ED for rendering legal advice, said.

“Scurrilous allegations have been made against the sitting judge of Telangana High Court. It has been held (in a judgement) that it is not only a litigant but also a lawyer who signs (the petition) is guilty of contempt of court.

“We thus issue notice to Peddi Raju as well as the lawyers … and the AoR. They are directed to state why contempt should not be initiated against them. Notice returnable on August 11,” the CJI said.

A counsel sought the liberty to withdraw the remarks after the court expressed strong displeasure. However, the bench dismissed the request.

“File apology …we will see whether to consider or not. We will see the apology is genuine or not. When we expressed displeasure at the language, liberty was sought to withdraw. We dismissed the request,” the bench said.

The case stems from the Telangana High Court's decision to quash a criminal case registered against the chief minister under the SC/ST Act.

The petitioner later approached the top court with a transfer plea, alleging bias and impropriety on the part of the high court judge.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra appeared on behalf of the chief minister.