Dubai shuts down office over UAE citizenship help claims

An immigration services office in Dubai has been shut down for misleading investors with 'assistance' on obtaining the UAE citizenship.

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The Dubai Economy said the office received UAE citizenship applications without being authorised to do so.

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Staff at the office reviewed personal details and proof of wealth submitted by the applicants, 'updating' them about eligibility for citizenship.

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An Investigation by the Dubai Economy revealed that the office had promised investors with assistance in obtaining the UAE citizenship.

Applicants with Dh100 million in wealth were asked to pay $10,000 as a 'processing fee'. They were told that the details provided by them would be "evaluated for compliance with the citizenship requirements", after which the application would be submitted to the "authorities concerned".

The service offered was not only unauthorised, but also in contravention of the recent amendment to the UAE Citizenship Law. The law did not specify any fee or process for obtaining citizenship.

As per the amendment made in January 2021, investors, doctors, scientists or researchers, creative talents like authors, inventors and their families are eligible to be nominated for citizenship by the UAE Cabinet, local Emiri or Rulers’ Courts, and executive councils of the seven emirates.

The Dubai Economy reminded UAE residents and investors to steer clear of such fraudulent practices.

They can report such frauds to the authority through the Dubai Consumer app or 600545555, or via the Consumerrights.ae website.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com