Both the scam warning in Oman and the amnesty rule update in the UAE highlight the importance of vigilance and timely action for Indian nationals living abroad
Indian nationals in Oman are being cautioned against a rising trend of scam calls involving fraudsters impersonating the Indian Embassy. According to a recent advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Muscat, scammers are spoofing the Embassy’s phone numbers to extort money from individuals under false pretenses. These fraudulent calls often involve demands for payment to resolve passport or immigration issues.
The Embassy has made it clear that the legitimate toll-free number for the Community Welfare Wing, 80071234, is for inbound calls only and is never used for outgoing communications.
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This update is particularly beneficial for those seeking to regularize their stay in the UAE
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It allows individuals to either leave the country without facing an entry ban or to secure employment and remain in the UAE
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The amnesty also includes an exemption from fines, offering a practical solution for individuals who are out of compliance with their visa conditions
“All Indian nationals are advised to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious calls,” the statement emphasized. The Embassy encourages anyone receiving such calls to verify the authenticity of the information by directly contacting the official helpline.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new regulation aimed at easing the process for visa violators during the ongoing amnesty period, which runs from September 1 to October 31, 2024. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) has reduced the passport validity requirement for amnesty applicants from six months to just one month. This change enables visa violators to amend their legal status without the added stress of passport renewals.
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