July 15, 2025 | Dubai, UAE – Indians reaction to lifetime UAE’s golden visa being called false is nothing short of heartbroken. Many dreams were shattered last week following the news claiming that UAE’s permanent residency could be secured by paying just 23 lakhs INR for the UAE’s golden visa, which was revealed to be fake.
Dubai, UAE has become a dream for many in India. After the new immigration policies in the US, Indians looked up to the UAE even more. For them, it was more than just relocation, UAE’s skyscraper-lined city shone hopeful for the beginning of a new and better life for the Indians, hence Indians reaction to the lifetime UAE’s golden visa wasn’t just to brush off a speculation, it pulled the base their dreams had just settled upon.
The Backdrop of The UAE’s Golden Visa Rumours
The UAE’s golden visa is a long-term (5 or 10 years) renewable residency initiative that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE. The UAE’s golden visa offers benefits that are highly sought after, such as no local sponsor would be needed, the visa holder will be able to sponsor family members of any age, multiple-entry permits, and access to essential services like healthcare and education. The eligibility had recently expanded to cover a range of categories, including investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, top-performing students, humanitarian workers, and creative talents, among others. India, having close ties with the UAE, had a positive enthusiasm seen from the Indians reaction to the initiative.
However, a viral speculation surfaced saying that the UAE’s golden visa eligibility will hold a nomination-based pick for individuals. The people nominated will have access to a lifetime residency through the golden visa. All they had to do was pay an amount of 23,00,000 INR for this. The news was received in optimism and good faith by the Indian as well as Bangladeshi population. However, it was rebuffed quickly by the UAE authorities as false, turning the Indians quickly to disappointment and frustration.
UAE’s Appealing Hold On Indians
Indians have been migrating to the UAE since decades ago, attracted by the rising economic opportunities, promise of a better lifestyle and various cultural similarities. Since the oil rise in the 1970s created a need for blue-collar jobs till the recent increase of high-paying roles in various sectors, the UAE has become a prime destination. Few factors contributing to Indian Migration is:
- People migrate to UAE for its lack of income tax, a major advantage over other nations where earnings are reduced by heavy taxes
- For professionals and entrepreneurs, Dubai offers a seamless business setup, free zones, and a cosmopolitan ecosystem supporting innovation and ambition.
- Families find the UAE better due to its safety measures particularly for women, top-tier healthcare, education options and an integrated multicultural expat community.
- The city offers great infrastructure, cleanliness, and lifestyle upgrades better than many metropolitans.
- While the cost of living is high, many Indians feel it is worth the lifestyle safety, comfort, and global exposure.
Enduring Bilateral Ties Between The Nations
The India-UAE relationship has been standing since centuries, connected by trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Long before, maritime routes connected the western coast of India to the Gulf, particularly for trade of pearls, spices, and textiles. In modern days, this connection has shown growth. The UAE stands as India’s third-largest trading partner and its second-largest export destination, with bilateral trade reaching over $85 billion in FY 2022–23.
Beyond commercial ties, the connection of people is even stronger. With over 4.3M Indians living in the UAE forming the largest expat ethnicity while Indians contributing greatly to Emirates’ economy and social landscape.
The UAE’s golden visa was seen a major benefit to Indians, with over 30% of the golden visa holders from India, making it largest single country participation in the programme. Hence, the lifetime UAE’s golden visa opportunity felt like crushing dreams of hundreds of Indians who were more than willing to pay 23,00,000 INR. Hence the Indians reaction were swift and saddening regarding the UAE’s golden visa rumours.
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