The Consulate General of India warns NRIs in UAE against sharing passports, Emirates IDs, fingerprints, face scans or financial details with unauthorised agents.

DUBAI: NRIs in the UAE are being urged to be extra careful when dealing with people offering help with visas, exit permits and other official services. A UAE visa scam alert issued by the Consulate General of India in Dubai warns that fraudsters are targeting residents, particularly blue-collar workers, and asking them to share sensitive personal information.

The advisory, dated August 31, 2026, says unauthorised individuals and agents may claim they can help people with visa regularisation, Emergency Certificates, Exit Permits or Outpasses, Emirates IDs and employment.

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But handing over personal information to the wrong person can create much bigger problems.

According to the Consulate, some victims have been asked to provide face scans and fingerprints. Fraudsters may then misuse this information to carry out financial transactions, open bank accounts or even obtain loans and credit cards in the victim’s name. The person may not know any of this has happened until the financial or legal problems begin.

The Consulate warned that victims could find themselves facing unexpected financial dues, fines, travel bans and, in some cases, even jail time.

So, what should residents do?

The advice is straightforward. Never give your passport, Emirates ID, biometric information or personal financial details to an unauthorised individual or agency.

If a fingerprint, eye or face scan is required for an Exit Permit, Outpass, Emirates ID or visa regularisation, residents should provide it only at an official UAE Government facility or counter.

The Consulate also clarified an important point for Indian passport holders.

The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi do not require fingerprint, face or eye scans from applicants when issuing passports or Emergency Certificates.

Anyone asking for such biometric information while claiming to provide these Indian mission services should therefore raise an immediate red flag.

Under the UAE visa scam alert, residents are also being encouraged to verify the credentials of anyone offering visa or documentation assistance before handing over documents or information.

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Indian nationals who are approached by a suspicious agent can contact the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayta Kendra on its toll-free number 80046342. Assistance is also available through WhatsApp or SMS on 00971543090571.

The UAE visa scam alert carries a simple message: check first and share later. A few minutes spent verifying an agent could prevent months of financial and legal trouble.

Impact to expect

The warning could help Indian residents in the UAE become more careful about sharing personal documents and biometric information. It may be especially useful for workers who rely on agents for visa, employment or immigration-related services.