The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has issued a warning to Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates about ongoing scams involving the fraudulent collection of biometric data. The advisory highlights that individuals, particularly blue-collar workers, have been targeted by operators falsely claiming to provide services such as visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, Emirates IDs, and employment assistance.
Scammers reportedly request victims’ passports, Emirates IDs, and biometric information — including face, eye, and fingerprint scans — under the pretext of facilitating official procedures. The consulate cautioned that this sensitive data could be misused to conduct unauthorized financial activities, such as opening bank accounts or obtaining loans and credit cards in the victims’ names.
Such misuse may expose victims to legal and financial consequences, including fines, travel restrictions, and in some instances, imprisonment. The consulate emphasized the importance of sharing biometric details only at official UAE government facilities and counters when required for services like exit permits, Emirates IDs, or visa matters.
Clarifying its own procedures, the Consulate General stated that neither it nor the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi require fingerprint, facial, or eye scans for passport issuance or the provision of emergency certificates. Any requests for biometric data purportedly on behalf of the Indian diplomatic missions should be regarded as fraudulent.
Nationals who encounter individuals or agents demanding biometric data or Emirates IDs outside official channels are advised to seek verification and support from the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK). The consulate provides a toll-free helpline at 800046342, with additional assistance available via WhatsApp or SMS at +971543090571 and by email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
The advisory urges all Indian expatriates and visitors in the UAE to verify credentials of anyone offering immigration or employment services and to promptly report suspicious activity to Indian diplomatic missions and UAE authorities.