Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has dismissed media reports suggesting that its golden visa can be purchased for ₹23.3 lakh by Indian nationals or citizens of select countries. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security clarified that the claims circulating in local and international media have “no legal basis” and were made “without referring to the competent authorities.”

The clarification came after several Indian media outlets reported that UAE’s long-term residency visa was available for a one-time payment through a nomination process targeting Indian citizens.

Currently, to qualify for a 10-year golden visa, foreign nationals must invest at least ₹4.6 crore, typically in real estate or by setting up a business in the UAE. However, highly skilled professionals like doctors and scientists may be eligible without financial investment if employed in priority sectors.

The authority warned that it will take legal action against websites and individuals spreading false information and attempting to unlawfully collect money from people seeking to move to the UAE. It urged the public not to trust or share personal documents with unauthorised agents or offices claiming to offer golden visa services.

Officials advised prospective applicants to rely only on verified government sources for visa-related information.

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New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Sunday demanded a comprehensive investigation and strict accountability for the tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people, with Rahul Gandhi claiming it was a criminal failure of safety and governance.

The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular nightclub at Arpora village in North Goa, early Sunday, killing at least 25 people, including four tourists and 14 staff members, and injuring six others.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the blaze.

“This avoidable tragic incident is an irreparable loss, and I pray for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured.

ALSO READ: Cong seeks thorough probe into Goa nightclub fire; Rahul alleges criminal failure of governance

“Such tragedies call for a comprehensive investigation, strict accountability, and immediate steps to ensure that all fire safety norms are enforced, so that such devastating incidents are never repeated,” Kharge said in a post on X.

The veteran leader also appealed to all the Congress workers in the coastal region to extend every possible support and assistance to the affected families and stand with them in this hour of grief.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said he was deeply pained by the tragic fire in Arpora.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. This is not just an accident; it is a criminal failure of safety and governance. A thorough, transparent probe must fix accountability and ensure such preventable tragedies don't occur again,” Gandhi said in an X post.

Congress general secretary in charge of organisation, K C Venugopal, sought fixing of accountability for the tragic blaze so that such incidents are not repeated.

"The fire at a night club in Arpora, Goa, is shocking and I convey my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims who lost their lives.

"This tragedy took place because of the negligence of the authorities in enforcing fire safety norms. We urge a thorough and impartial investigation to identify those responsible and to ensure accountability, so that such a tragedy is never repeated," he said in a post on X.