Latest news with #PrashantAjmera
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UAE Golden Visa scam: ₹23 lakh offer for Indians is fake, warns govt
Indians have been warned not to fall for a supposed new route to the United Arab Emirates' Golden Visa, after Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) debunked a viral press release as false and misleading. The press release, circulated by a consultancy called Rayad Group, claimed that Indians could now apply for a 'nomination-based' Golden Visa without having to invest crores in property or business. It said eligible applicants could secure lifelong residency and even citizenship by paying AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh). The release also named visa processing firm VFS Global as a partner and claimed India and Bangladesh were part of the pilot phase, with China and other CEPA countries to follow. 'Absolutely fake,' says immigration lawyer 'This is absolutely fake—generated by those wanting to scam Indians,' Prashant Ajmera, immigration attorney at Ajmera Law Group told Business Standard. 'Such entities target Indians because they understand that there's a market here for those who wish to live abroad, particularly in countries like the UAE,' he said. Ajmera questioned the logic behind the offer. 'The categories of golden residence, their conditions and controls are determined in accordance with the UAE laws, legislation and official ministerial decisions,' the authority added. 'Those wishing to know the requirements for UAE Golden Visa can obtain them through the ICP website or smart application.' The ICP confirmed it had monitored press releases from a consulting office abroad claiming to offer lifetime Golden Visas through nomination. While the statement did not name the entities involved, it warned of legal action against those spreading false information to extract money from unsuspecting applicants. 'We are fully committed to providing a safe and clear environment for customers,' the authority said in a press release accessed by Business Standard. 'We are working to enhance transparency and continuously update our services through official digital platforms only.' The statement urged the public not to respond to 'inaccurate rumours and false news with the aim of quick profit' and reiterated that all authentic procedures are listed on its official website. Individuals can also contact the ICP helpline at 600522222 for clarification. Rayad Group calls it an 'opportunity' On Monday, speaking to news agency PTI, managing director of Rayad Group, Rayad Kamal Ayub called nomination-route a golden opportunity for Indians to get the UAE's Golden Visa. According to the release, Rayad Group had partnered with VFS Global's Education, Trade & Migration (ETM) Services to roll out the programme across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. On June 1, VFS Global had announced its collaboration with Rayad Group to provide immigration advisory services in India.
Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UAE Golden Visa guide: How to apply, who qualifies, cost and routes
The United Arab Emirates recently launched a new route to its Golden Visa, allowing Indians to secure long-term residency without investing in property or business. Instead, the visa will be granted through a nomination process, with a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh). India and Bangladesh are part of the initial pilot phase, and a consultancy named Rayad Group has been appointed to run the process in India. But this is just one among many categories of golden visas offered by the UAE government. The nomination-based Golden Visa adds to the country's wider residency offerings for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and high-achieving individuals. Unlike traditional routes that rely on asset ownership or business investment, this one allows residency without maintaining any physical or financial stake in the UAE. UAE Golden Visa eligibility Who is eligible under the new nomination route This pilot scheme targets individuals with demonstrated or potential merit in areas like science, education, digital media, healthcare, finance, e-sports, maritime, and start-ups. • Nomination by authorised agencies such as Rayad Group, VFS Global, or One Vasco • Clean criminal and financial background • Vetting process including anti-money-laundering checks and social media reviews • Final approval by UAE authorities, regardless of nomination Applicants cannot self-nominate, and the AED 100,000 fee does not guarantee approval. The visa, once issued, is valid for life. It also allows sponsorship of a spouse, unmarried daughters of any age, sons up to age 25, parents, and domestic staff. Traditional Golden Visa options still available While the new route is being piloted, existing visa categories remain in place: Public investor: AED 2 million in company shares or deposits All categories require supporting documents and clearance from the UAE government. UAE Golden Visa application process Traditional investment routes: • Choose a category (real estate, business, financial) • Compile documentation such as title deeds, medical checks, police clearance, and insurance • Apply through UAE portals like ICP or emirate-specific systems • Complete biometrics and receive Emirates ID Nomination-based pilot: • Verify eligibility with an authorised agency • Complete background checks, including social media audit • Pay AED 100,000 if shortlisted • Visa is issued remotely; agency assists with logistics What the Golden Visa fee covers, and what it doesn't Though the AED 100,000 fee covers visa issuance, applicants may also face additional costs such as: • Relocation and housing • Private health insurance • Agent or legal support • Children's school or university fees The visa provides residency and sponsorship rights, but does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Why Indians may be cautious of UAE Golden Visa 'Dubai's golden visa is attractive due to its proximity to India,' Prashant Ajmera, immigration attorney at Ajmera Law Group told Business Standard. 'For someone in Mumbai, travelling to Dubai is as easy as going to Kolkata.' However, he added that many golden visa holders use it more as a secondary residence or holiday base. 'The extreme summer heat—often 45 to 50 degrees Celsius—makes year-round living impractical. Hotels charging $400 per night in peak season drop to $150 in summer because demand falls.' Ajmera also pointed out that the UAE's golden visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. 'That's a major factor for Indian families who are evaluating long-term migration. For those with school-age children, Dubai's schooling options are improving, but higher education still requires sending children to the US, UK, or Canada.' 'Many Indian investors explore the golden visa route but often prefer countries where taxation, language, and long-term benefits align better with their future plans,' he said. Where to get help for UAE Golden Visa Those interested in applying can check eligibility and requirements on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website. For applications in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) is the designated body. The nomination-based model, while promising a simpler entry route, remains selective. UAE authorities continue to screen applicants based on merit and background—financial capacity alone is not enough.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business Standard
Studying in the US? Know the rules-even small mistakes can cost your visa
International students in the United States are facing fresh uncertainty after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials revoked the visa status of thousands of students recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). A report by ICEF Monitor, which provides data on international education and student travel, said that nearly 5,000 student records were affected at the peak of the revocation activity. Following legal challenges from students, universities and education bodies, ICE reversed its decision in late April and restored the visa status of those affected. Despite this, US authorities have moved to reinforce their legal powers to cancel student visa status and proceed with deportations. Business Standard spoke to immigration experts to understand what Indian students in the US need to know. Immigration and criminal violations Prashant Ajmera, immigration lawyer at Ajmera Law Group, explained the distinction between immigration and criminal violations. 'Immigration violations occur when a student breaches the terms of their visa,' said Ajmera. Examples include: Not maintaining full-time enrolment Overstaying the authorised period Working off-campus without permission Starting a business without approval Ajmera said, 'These violations can lead to termination of the SEVIS record, deportation, bans of three or ten years from returning to the US, and serious difficulties obtaining future visas.' Criminal violations, he added, involve breaking US laws and can overlap with immigration breaches. 'Underage drinking, drink driving, credit card fraud, shoplifting, or possession of prohibited items can all trigger criminal proceedings, visa revocation and removal from the US,' said Ajmera. He explained that the US maintains interconnected databases accessible by enforcement agencies, which allow cross-checking of student data. Busting Myth: Only criminal offenders lose visas 'It's a misconception that only crimes lead to visa revocation,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Students can lose visas for non-criminal issues such as not maintaining student status, breaching visa terms, providing false information or even questionable social media activity. We've seen cases where incomplete forms or small documentation errors caused delays, rejections and cancellations.' Kajal, co-founder of LaunchEd, added: 'Minor documentation lapses that are corrected promptly won't usually lead to visa loss. Repeated or serious discrepancies, however, draw attention. Students must keep records updated and act fast if issues arise.' Peeyush Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of Invest4Edu, warned that unauthorised work is a common reason students fall foul of visa conditions. 'Many students mistakenly take freelance or part-time work off-campus without approval from their Designated School Official or US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Failing to maintain a full course load or not informing the university about changes of address or school can also trigger loss of status,' said Agarwal. He pointed out that academic dishonesty, overstaying or even minor criminal offences could also result in cancellation of visas. 'The biggest issue is often not wilful wrongdoing but simply a lack of awareness,' said Agarwal. 'Students should speak regularly with their international student office and never assume something is allowed under their visa.' Advice for students facing legal trouble Ajmera said students should remain calm if contacted by US authorities. 'Never resist or run from police, as that turns a small problem into a criminal offence. Ask for legal representation immediately,' said Ajmera. He added that defending cases in the US can be costly and intimidating for young students unfamiliar with the legal system. 'Many international students may struggle to afford legal counsel. While protections exist, the process can be overwhelming, particularly for students under 25 who have never encountered legal issues before,' he explained. Shekhawat suggested that students avoid problems by carefully checking every document before submission. 'A small mistake can have large consequences,' she said. Students contacted by immigration should document everything, said Dave, a US-based advisor. 'They should politely ask for the purpose of the inquiry and involve their school's international office or immigration adviser immediately,' he said. Agarwal said, 'While schools have support services, students facing delays, administrative errors or unfair visa cancellation often find themselves in a grey area. Independent legal help is expensive and not accessible to all students. Their options depend heavily on personal finances, institutional support and access to legal advice.' He continued: 'International students contribute billions to the US economy and enrich research and education. It is essential they have proper legal safeguards and clear guidance on how to handle immigration issues.' Agarwal advised students who are approached by officials despite following rules to keep calm, request written communication and seek help from their Designated School Official. 'Never send extra documents or statements without legal advice,' he said. 'Keeping proper records and knowing who to turn to can help resolve these situations effectively.'
