Overview
- The Consulate General of India in Dubai issued an advisory on Monday, August 31, warning Indian nationals not to hand over passports, Emirates IDs or face, eye or fingerprint scans to unauthorised agents.
- The mission said fraudsters promise help with visas, exit permits, Emirates IDs or jobs to obtain biometric data and then use it to open bank accounts, take loans or carry out transactions in victims’ names.
- The consulate and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi do not require fingerprint, face or eye scans for passports or emergency certificates and anyone demanding such data on their behalf should be treated as a fraudster.
- Indian nationals are told to submit biometrics only at authorised UAE government counters and to report suspicious requests to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra at 80046342, WhatsApp/SMS +971543090571 or pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
- The advisory highlights that low-wage and blue-collar workers who rely on intermediaries are especially vulnerable and that misuse of biometric data can trigger fines, travel bans, financial liability or criminal exposure for victims.