Dubai: A famous Arab singer was arrested for promoting fake residency visas in Dubai. A popular singer in his home country, he turned to promoting fake residency visas on social media platforms, leveraging his fame to reach job seekers. A criminal network exploited his celebrity status to market residency visas for fees ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 dirhams. The accused admitted to participating in issuing more than 40 visas and expressed remorse for his actions.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the singer stated that he began working with the group on the instructions of its leaders, using his presence on TikTok to promote their services. He admitted that they recruited him because of his fame and that he had sold more than 40 visas over two years. He noted that most of his clients were not high-income earners but individuals seeking employment and better living conditions.
The accused confirmed that he followed his managers’ instructions before realizing the seriousness and illegality of his actions. One victim of the scam revealed that he was deceived by the network, who convinced him they could secure a residency visa and a job for 7,500 dirhams. He explained that the process took time, during which he waited for the promised procedures, only to discover the promises were false.
Major General Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-Up Sector at the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, stated that criminal networks exploit victims through digital platforms by falsely claiming they can obtain residency permits or visa-related services illegally.
Last July, Dubai Residency, represented by the Research and Investigation Department of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-Up Sector, revealed that it had dealt with illegal practices detected on social media, involving unauthorized promotion of visa and residency services. Authorities emphasized the necessity of obtaining such services only through official and approved channels.