Contact Members/Sign Up Reg Form

UAE Warns Against Scammers Offering 'Faster Schengen Visa' for a Fee

For entertainment professional R.S. (name withheld for privacy), a golden opportunity arose when he was invited to perform at a festival in Portugal. The only hurdle standing between him and his dream was obtaining a Schengen visa. Reflecting on the urgency of the situation, R.S. considered paying an agent Dh500 for assistance, given the short notice and the challenge of securing timely appointment slots. Fortunately, his friends dissuaded him, highlighting the potential scam and the substantial sum involved.

On Thursday, VFS Global, a passport and visa outsourcing company, issued a warning about numerous unscrupulous agents exploiting travelers by promising expedited Schengen appointment slots for a fee. Monaz Billimoria, UAE Regional Head of VFS Global, emphasized that charging for appointment slots is fraudulent, urging people to steer clear of such scams.

VFS Global clarified in a statement that they do not impose any fee for appointment bookings on their official website catering to visa applications. Some governments may require pre-payment of service fees during appointment booking, a precaution to ensure genuine travelers utilize the system and protect it from misuse by fraudulent entities.

Addressing visa trends at an annual agenda meeting, Monaz disclosed that UAE residents were already planning summer vacations, causing a surge in demand for Schengen and UK visa appointments. In response, VFS Global established premium centers across four emirates to accommodate the increased demand for UK visas. The agency cautioned individuals to plan their vacations well in advance.

Highlighting the lengthy wait for visa appointments, Monaz mentioned that, in June of the previous year, travelers faced up to a three-month wait for a Schengen visa appointment. Given these challenges, many individuals turn to dubious agents who claim to expedite visa processing for a fee, leading to financial losses for some UAE residents.

March 8, 2024 12:20 p.m. 12550

#breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #VisaScams #TravelAlert #SchengenVisa #VFSGlobal #TravelSecurity #ScamAwareness #VisaFraud #ProtectYourself #TravelCaution #UAETravel #PassportAlert #FraudPrevention #TravelSafety #VisaAppointment

Simple Budgeting Tips for Financial Success

finance / banking
Feb. 16, 2025 4:37 p.m. 392

Easy budgeting tips to manage money wisely and achieve success...Read More.

Abu Dhabi Council Sets Up New Folk Arts Committee with Fresh Resolution

uae news / uae-national
Feb. 16, 2025 4:10 p.m. 470

Abu Dhabi Council forms Folk Arts Committee to oversee performances, led by H.E. Al Mazrouei...Read More.

Simple Budgeting Tips for Financial Success

Easy budgeting tips to manage money wisely and achieve success

Abu Dhabi Council Sets Up New Folk Arts Committee with Fresh Resolution

Abu Dhabi Council forms Folk Arts Committee to oversee performances, led by H.E. Al Mazrouei

Smart Money Tips for a Safe and Happy Future

Simple money tips to save, invest, and secure your future

Sheikh Nahyan Offers Condolences on the Passing of Aga Khan IV

Minister of Tolerance meets Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan V, in Lisbon to discuss ties

Tourism and Travel Explore Amazing Places to See

Discover amazing places and unforgettable travel experiences

From Diriyah to Jeddah: How Formula E Made Its Debut in Saudi Arabia

From Diriyah to Jeddah, Formula E marks a new era in Saudi Arabia’s motorsport journey

Minister Stresses Collective Action on Climate Security at Munich Conference

Adel Al-Jubeir joins nature-security dialogue at Munich Conference with global leaders

3rd UAE Schools & Nursery Show Begins at Expo Centre Sharjah

The 3rd UAE Schools & Nursery Show starts at Expo Centre Sharjah, running until Feb 16

Abu Dhabi to Host Global Warships for NAVDEX 2025 Maritime Showcase

Abu Dhabi welcomes warships for NAVDEX 2025, set for 17-21 Feb at ADNEC Marina

Get In Touch

3001E, 30 Floor, Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

+971 52 602 2429

info@dxbnewsnetwork.com

LAUNCH OF DNN
Follow Us

© DNN. All Rights Reserved.