GDRFA Dubai cautions residents to check visa offers through official sources
A man who was
previously recognized in the arts and entertainment sector in his home country
has been detained in Dubai for allegedly offering fake freelance visas in
exchange for money, according to authorities on Thursday.
The arrest was
made by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai
(GDRFA Dubai) in collaboration with Dubai Police, as part of their ongoing work
to address illegal activities related to visas and residency.
GDRFA Dubai
stated that the case started after officials found a fake document in the
possession of an individual.
Further checks
and investigations uncovered the situation surrounding the document, leading
authorities to those allegedly involved in issuing and promoting it.
Major General Dr Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, explained that the arrested person had been involved in promoting fake freelance visas to people looking for job opportunities and a better life in the UAE.
He warned that
individuals and organizations may take advantage of people’s desire to enter
the UAE, find work, or regularize their residency status by making promises
outside of official procedures, especially through online platforms.
Al Zaabi
mentioned that officials traced the case from the person holding the fake
document to those believed to be involved in issuing and promoting it, and
legal actions were taken against those involved.
He also advised
people not to trust unreliable offers or promises and to verify visa and
residency information through official authorities before making any payments
or sharing personal details.
GDRFA Dubai
stated that it continues to monitor advertisements and offers on digital
platforms related to work visas and residency permits that are offered for
payment outside of authorized channels.
These offers may
be promoted by unauthorized entities or offices, or through social media
accounts, and may sometimes be presented in a way that suggests a connection
with official organizations.
Major General
Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and
Residency Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said that customers should complete visa and
residency procedures through official authorities and licensed service offices.
He emphasized
the importance of checking the source of any visa or residency offer before
providing personal information or making payments.
GDRFA Dubai
urged residents and those planning to travel to the UAE to confirm all offers
and services through official channels and report any suspicious offers from
unauthorized entities.
The authority
highlighted that protecting customers is a shared responsibility that involves
clear procedures, access to accurate information, community awareness, and
cooperation in reporting fraudulent activities.
