The expert spoke about the scheme of fraudsters with biometrics and loans in the UAE
The offer of an intermediary to fingerprint for Emirates ID registration, the refusal to grant a company license and the requirement to pay for employment should alert foreigners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kristina Tancyura, CEO and Managing partner of SKY Consulting Group, an expert on business development in the Middle East, told "Izvestia" on September 14.
When do I need a copy of my passport?
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has warned about scammers who offer assistance with registration of Emirates ID, visa status adjustment, obtaining exit permits and employment. According to the diplomatic mission, the attackers force victims to scan their faces and fingerprints, after which they use biometric data for financial transactions, opening bank accounts and applying for loans in their name without their knowledge and consent.
Tancyura stressed that when contacting intermediaries, it is necessary to understand what information they can request to provide services. When applying for employment, the employer handles the registration, in other cases the applicant can act independently or contact consultants.
Requesting an electronic copy of a passport does not in itself indicate fraud, the expert noted. For example, a consultant needs a document to register a company. The employer also requests a copy of the passport in order to conduct a basic check and begin processing the employment contract and residence documents.
"Without this, he cannot carry out his functions of registering a company," explained Tancyura, speaking about the consultant's work.
Among the main stages of registration, the expert named obtaining an entry permit, a medical examination and the delivery of biometric data. To obtain an Emirates ID, the fingerprint procedure is performed at the service centers of the Federal Office for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). According to Tancyura, the consultant's suggestion to take fingerprints on their own instead of going through the official procedure should be alarming.
How to check the employer and consultant
Before handing over the documents, Dancing recommended requesting a company license. According to her, many licenses have a QR code that can be used to verify information about the organization.
"Scammers act almost the same everywhere, and to protect yourself from them is to be vigilant and careful. And don't sign without looking. One of the important bells may be a refusal to grant a license. Licenses are an open document and any company in the Emirates is obliged to provide it at the first request of any counterparty, even if the contract has not yet been signed," she stressed.
When choosing a consultant, the expert also advised to study his website, hold a video meeting and ask for a sample contract in advance. The document must be read carefully before signing. A similar check should be carried out when communicating with a potential employer.
Separately, Tancyura drew attention to the demands to pay for employment. Usually, a recruitment agency requests a resume and may ask for a passport, but a request to deposit money should alert the candidate.
"But if they ask for payment, that's the first alarm that should alert them," the expert said.
Where to check the status of documents
According to Tancyura, it is possible to submit biometric data only at the official immigration office — this stage cannot be delegated to intermediaries.
"Biometric data is in any case submitted to the official immigration office, where uniformed officers will be sitting," the expert emphasized.
According to her, the applicant must have an official referral for the delivery of biometrics with logos in English and Arabic — his absence is also a reason to be wary.
You can check the visa and application status on the GDRFA website if we are talking about Dubai, or on the ICP Smart Services portal for other emirates. If the documents are being processed by an employer or consultant, Dancing recommended requesting a so-called file number in order to independently track the status of the application.
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