Dubai establishment shut down for misleading investors on UAE citizenship

An immigration services office in Dubai has been shut down for falsely offering assistance to obtain UAE citizenship.

The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection Sector at Dubai Economy took action against the establishment for misleading investors by handling citizenship applications without being authorised to do so.

Investigations revealed that the office offered assistance to applicants who had at least AED 100 million in wealth and paid US$10,000 as processing fee.

Applicants were told their details would be evaluated for compliance with the citizenship requirements after which they can submit it to the authorities concerned. 

Officials said the service was not only illegal but also in contravention of the recent amendment to the UAE Citizenship Law, which did not specify any fee or process for obtaining naturalization.

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.

Dubai Economy has warned of tough action against violators and has also urged the public not to fall for such fraudulent practices.

The authority has called on people to report any violation through the Dubai Consumer App, by calling 600545555, or via consumerrights.ae website.