Dubai-based group apologises for "confusion" over "lifetime visa" claims
Dubai, Jul 9 (PTI): A Dubai-based private company on Wednesday apologised and took "full responsibility" for disseminating "incorrect" information in the media that the UAE government will grant lifetime "golden visa" for around Rs 23.30 lakhs.
The apology by Rayad Group, a visa advisory service company, came hours after the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) dismissed reports, which quoted Rayad group as saying that lifetime "golden visas" for some nationalities could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions. Among the outlets that reported the claim was PTI on Sunday.
ICP said the Rayad group's statement has no legal basis. It appeared that Rayad's reference to the Rs 23.30 lakh was the fee it would charge for facilitating the golden visa under the UAE immigration rules.
"We apologise unreservedly for the public confusion caused by recent reports and commentary, and we take full responsibility for ensuring future communications are clear, accurate, and consistent with the UAE's stringent regulatory frameworks," the Rayad Group said in a statement.
"We also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge that certain public comments made by Rayad Group’s Managing Director were misplaced and have contributed to the misinterpretation of our role and the nature of the initiative in question," it said.
"These statements did not accurately reflect our intent, our scope of services, or the limitations of our authority in relation to the UAE Golden Visa programme. To reiterate with full clarity: no guaranteed visa, fixed-price programme, or lifetime UAE residency product currently exists, and the Rayad Group does not offer, support, participate, or endorse any such arrangement.
"Due to the confusion caused, the Rayad Group is discontinuing private advisory services for Golden Visas," it said.
Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, had said on Sunday that this is a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa.
In its statement on Wednesday, the Rayad Group said that all visa decisions remain solely under the jurisdiction of the relevant UAE government authorities.
"We concur with the statement issued by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which affirms that all Golden Visa applications must be processed through official, government-approved channels," it added.
PTI in its story released on July 6 on the UAE government having started a new type of Golden Visa had reported that India and Bangladesh have been selected for the first phase of testing, and a consultancy named Rayad Group has been chosen to test the initial form of the nomination-based Golden Visa in India.
Based on the accounts provided by beneficiaries and people involved in the process, PTI had reported that Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23.30 lakh) under the "new nomination-based visa policy"
Reacting to reports circulated by "some local and international media outlets and websites" on the issue of the United Arab Emirates(UAE) granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities, the ICP clarified that the categories, conditions, and regulations of the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions.
A statement by the ICP emphasised that all Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process.
"The Authority had recently observed news articles from a consultancy office based in another country, suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions. These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE," it said.
"The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities."
The ICP reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and transparent environment for applicants, and to continuously enhancing its services exclusively through official digital platforms.
It also stated that legal action will be taken against entities spreading such false information in an attempt to illegally collect money from individuals aspiring to live and reside in the UAE, exploiting their hopes for a dignified and secure life.
It urged all individuals wishing to visit, live, or invest in the UAE not to respond to inaccurate rumours and false news aimed at quick profit and avoid paying any fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to provide these services.
The ICP strongly advised everyone to always refer to official sources to verify the accuracy of procedures-either through its official website or by contacting the call centre at 600522222, available 24/7, before taking any action.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
