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.
10 future-proof jobs in the UAE with high salaries
-
'The National' looks at 10 high-paying careers in the UAE that will remain in-demand for many years. Artificial intelligence engineers can earn an average salary of Dh32,000. AI is being used widely across the Emirates, including for traffic control systems, government departments, air traffic control, healthcare and education sectors. The UAE also has an AI strategy and also recently launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which will help produce AI engineers. AFP -
Experienced data scientists can earn a median salary of Dh32,000. The UAE Golden Visa, a 10-year residency visa for skilled professionals, is available to these professionals. They also fall into the category of Emirati citizenship, but they would have to be nominated by a Royal Court. Bloomberg -
The average salary of management consultants is Dh35,000. These professionals apply the data available to improve business performance. With entrepreneurship encouraged heavily in the UAE, management consultants will be in high-demand. Getty Images -
Investment bankers can earn Dh45,000. With the Covid-19 pandemic disrupting the global market, companies and individuals are increasingly looking at hiring these services to learn how and where to invest their money. Getty Images -
A principal scientist earns an average salary of Dh38,000. Scientists also qualify for the UAE’s Golden Visa scheme and really qualified ones can be nominated by the Royal Court for Emirati citizenship. These scientists could be working in different areas, including healthcare, space research or part of a space mission, or other research areas. Getty Images -
Doctors earn an average salary of Dh33,000. Medical professionals are always going to be in-demand, but the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded governments how important it is to have an effective healthcare system. With the UAE having a focus on building its healthcare sector further, more vacancies will open up. Getty Images -
The median salary of an experienced cybersecurity engineer is Dh30,000. Cyber-attacks are growing each year and companies are looking for qualified engineers who can protect their online information. Bloomberg -
An experienced finance officer can earn between Dh33,000 to Dh35,000. The profession requires overseeing the spending of individuals or companies and advising them accordingly. Getty Images -
Software engineers can earn Dh35,000, but those at a senior level can earn more than Dh50,000. These professionals develop computer software for machines. Bloomberg -
Senior human resource officers earn an average salary of Dh30,000. They hire and look after employees. It was believed earlier that AI would replace their jobs, but it has been assisting with their roles, rather than causing unemployment. Getty images
