Indian nationals living in or travelling to the UAE need to be careful about a growing type of fraud involving visa services and official documents.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has warned Indians about unauthorised agents and individuals who claim they can help with visa-related services, Emirates IDs and other official documents.
The advisory says several Indians, particularly blue-collar workers, have reportedly fallen victim to such scams.
These fraudsters may offer help with visa regularisation, Emergency Certificates, Exit Permits, Outpasses, Emirates IDs and even jobs.
But the biggest danger may not be the fake service itself.
Your Biometric Data Could Be Misused
According to the Embassy’s warning, some victims are asked to provide fingerprints, face scans or other biometric information as part of the process.
This can be extremely risky.
The data could allegedly be misused for financial fraud, including opening bank accounts, taking loans or obtaining credit cards in the victim’s name.
A person may only discover the problem later, after finding transactions or financial liabilities that they never authorised.
In serious cases, victims could face financial losses, fines, travel restrictions and even legal action.
The Embassy has therefore advised Indian nationals not to hand over their personal or financial information to unauthorised agents.
This includes:
Fingerprints
Face scans
Eye scans
Passport details
Emirates ID
Personal credentials
Financial information
Where Should You Give Biometric Details?
Biometric verification may be required for certain UAE government procedures, such as an Exit Permit, Outpass, Emirates ID or visa regularisation.
However, such scans should be provided only at official UAE government facilities or authorised counters.
There is also an important point for people applying for Indian passports or Emergency Certificates.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has clarified that it does not require fingerprint, face or eye scans for issuing a Passport or Emergency Certificate.
Therefore, if an agent claims to be working for the Embassy and asks you for these biometric details for a Passport or Emergency Certificate, treat it as a major warning sign.
What Should You Do If an Agent Approaches You?
Do not immediately hand over your documents or biometric information.
First, verify the person’s identity and credentials through official channels.
Indian nationals in the UAE can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra (PBSK) for verification or assistance:
Toll-free: 80046342
WhatsApp/SMS: 00971543090571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
The Embassy has urged Indians living in or visiting the UAE to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the Embassy or the relevant UAE authorities.
The Key Warning
A person offering quick help with a visa, Emirates ID, job or other official paperwork may appear genuine, but sharing your passport, Emirates ID or biometric information with an unauthorised person can expose you to serious fraud.
When biometric verification is genuinely required, make sure it is completed through the proper government channel.
