For many expatriates in the UAE, the idea of relocating to countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, or the Caribbean Islands appears to be an attractive opportunity. However, what initially seems like a promising new chapter often devolves into a nightmare of shattered dreams and depleted bank accounts. Investigations by Khaleej Times have uncovered that thousands of residents have been duped by unscrupulous immigration consultants in recent years, not only losing their money but also their time and peace of mind.
These companies frequently employ aggressive marketing tactics, claiming connections with "reputable" immigration lawyers who can "guarantee" a spot in visa selection pools. Yet, these assurances are often exaggerated or entirely false. Khaleej Times has documented advertisements from such firms offering everything from guaranteed work permits and scholarships in Canada to high-paying jobs requiring minimal experience. They even lure clients with promises of free air tickets and accommodation, deceiving individuals into parting with substantial sums of money, only to find themselves in limbo, waiting for results that never materialise.
Worse still, some individuals become permanently banned from their dream countries due to the submission of falsified documents. In some cases, these companies even deposit money into their clients' bank accounts to meet visa or immigration requirements for financial statements, charging steep interest on this service and further ensnaring individuals in a cycle of debt. When authorities uncover these schemes, applicants are not only denied visas but often face lifetime bans.
Sam Bayat, a seasoned attorney and founder of the Dubai-based Bayat Group, a law firm established in 1993, shared a case where an immigration consultant in Karama printed fake bank statements for clients. "Many of these firms target underqualified applicants just to profit from application fees," he explained. "What they lack in morals, they make up for with toner," Bayat remarked. "Due diligence is essential. Falling for these traps can have devastating consequences," he warned.
Even more alarming are cases in which immigration companies vanish without a trace, leaving clients with no legal recourse and substantial financial losses. Hossam Zakaria of HZ Legal, a Dubai-based consultancy, says he is inundated with cases of fraudsters taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. "Canada, with its attractive immigration programmes like the Express Entry System and Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP), has become a major target."
The rise in immigration fraud in the UAE coincides with increased demand for Canadian permanent residency. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, immigration scams worldwide surged by nearly 50 per cent between 2020 and 2023, many originating from the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and the Canadian Embassy have issued warnings about fraudulent immigration firms. A recent investigation uncovered over 400 cases of immigration fraud in the UAE in 2023 alone, with victims losing an estimated Dh20 million collectively.
In response to the rise in fraudulent activities, the Canadian government has issued a public fraud alert, warning applicants against offers that seem too good to be true. Their official website advises: You do not need to hire an immigration representative to apply for a visa or Canadian citizenship. Immigration representatives do not have special connections with Canadian government officials and cannot guarantee a visa. Only authorised officers at Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates can issue visas. Do not be tempted to use false documents, as this will result in your application being denied. Be wary of online scams and fake websites. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) provides free application forms and guides for all visa types. Visa processing fees are standardised globally. Fees in local currencies reflect the equivalent Canadian dollar amount based on official exchange rates. Canadian visa offices will never request money transfers to personal bank accounts or through private money transfer services.
The Canadian government has repeatedly emphasised that no consultant can guarantee visas—only authorised officials at embassies and consulates have that authority. Unfortunately, by the time many victims realise this, it is often too late.
Consider the case of a Sharjah-based couple, RB and SB, who signed up with an immigration firm in Dubai three years ago. They paid over CAD40,000 (approximately Dh106,958) in pursuit of Canadian permanent residency. Their dreams, however, were dashed. Frustrated, they camped out at the consultant's office in Deira last month after repeated requests for updates or refunds went unanswered.
Mudassir Ahmed Khan, who began his process with the same firm in early 2020, recalled, "I signed an agreement that promised employment within a year. But nothing ever came of it." Bayat praised the Dubai Economic Department (DED) for its strict policy of not issuing licenses to immigration firms that don't meet the criteria, and expressed hope that other Emirates and freezones would adopt similar stringent measures.
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) industry, once celebrated as a pathway to global mobility, is also facing challenges in multiple countries due to scandals, legal disputes, and increasing scrutiny. From the Caribbean Islands and Cyprus to Vanuatu, Malta, and Greece—even Turkey is now affected. In the Caribbean, allegations have surfaced that agents and developers are offering citizenship at prices far below official minimums. This has raised concerns over the integrity of these programmes and led to heightened scrutiny from international partners, including the US, UK, and the European Union, who worry about the potential security risks.
While these allegations remain unproven in court, they have already caused significant reputational damage to the industry. Many individuals who obtained citizenship through discounted schemes are now at risk of losing their status. Dominica has already revoked the citizenship of 68 individuals, stating that they obtained it through fraud or misrepresentation. St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has stated that he is monitoring the lawsuit closely and is prepared to revoke any fraudulently obtained citizenships to safeguard the country’s reputation.
Industry insiders warn that the consequences could be severe for those involved in these schemes. Up to 30 immigration consultancy companies may face legal action, and potentially thousands of people could lose their citizenship if it's proven they paid less than the required government fees. Beyond losing passports, individuals may face difficulties applying for visas and managing banking activities, as their names could be flagged in global financial databases.
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