Dubai authorities shut down company over Emirati citizenship con

The unnamed business misled rich investors when it claimed it could help them acquire passports if they paid a $10,000 processing fee

Emirati citizenship entitles young people to scholarships and government jobs set aside for UAE nationals. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

A company in Dubai was closed for falsely claiming it could help wealthy people become Emirati citizens.

It charged $10,000 as a "processing fee" and claimed that to be eligible, applicants' net worth must be Dh100 million ($27.2m) or more.

Dubai Economy’s consumer protection agency said the company “was found to have received citizenship applications without being authorised to do so, and reviewed personal details and proof of wealth submitted by the applicants”.

In January, the UAE said it would offer citizenship to professionals in certain fields, including medicine, science and the arts, and their families.

But the process is based on nomination by the UAE Cabinet, Rulers’ Courts or executive councils of the seven emirates – there remains no “path to citizenship”.

“The service offered was not only unauthorised, but also in contravention of the recent amendment as to the UAE Citizenship Law, which did not specify any fee or process for obtaining naturalisation,” Dubai Economy said on Monday.

The government department, which regulates trading standards, said “stern action will be taken against any office or commercial establishment that transgresses its authority and reminded UAE residents, investors and the public to be aware of such fraudulent practices”.

Suspected immigration fraud can be reported by using the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google and Huawei stores, by calling 600 54 5555 or via Consumerrights.ae.

The 2021 change is the latest in a widening programme by the UAE to attract talent to the country.

In May 2019, the UAE Cabinet approved 10-year residency visas for five categories of expatriates: investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists and outstanding students.

The golden card scheme also allowed medical doctors, many scientists, data experts, people with backgrounds in computer and electrical engineering, and those with AI and programming expertise to qualify for the long-term visa.

Radio host and snack entrepreneur Kris Fade and fragrance tycoon Mohammed Rahman are two notable businessmen who have received a golden visa, along with Firoz Merchant, the founder of Pure Gold Jewellers.

On Saturday, Dubai's government unveiled an urban plan to expand the city and boost its population from about 3 million to 5.8 million by 2040.

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