Introduction Of UAE
Several UAE residents have recently come forward with serious allegations against a Dubai-based immigration firm, accusing it of fraud and unfulfilled promises. These complaints follow a widely reported incident where a Sharjah couple camped out in the firm’s office, demanding justice after the company allegedly reneged on its commitments.
Mounting Allegations of Fraud
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The immigration firm, located in Al Rigga, Deira, has been the subject of numerous complaints from expats who claim their immigration dreams were shattered after paying substantial sums of money. These individuals, hailing from various countries, have shared their stories of betrayal, with many choosing to remain anonymous due to ongoing legal proceedings and fears of retaliation.
The Khaleej Times has been flooded with reports from clients alleging that the firm failed to deliver on its promises, despite receiving large payments upfront. Among these complaints is the case of RB and SB, a Sharjah couple who, after paying CAD 40,000 (approximately Dh106,958) over three years, found themselves still without the permanent residency in Canada they had been assured. In desperation, they camped out in the firm’s fifth-floor office for four days, demanding answers.
Broken Promises and Legal Struggles
The couple’s ordeal is far from unique. An Indian woman in Abu Dhabi recounted a similar experience during Ramadan this year. After repeated requests for a refund were ignored, she spent an entire day in the firm’s office, praying and hoping for a response. “I rolled up my prayer mat and drove down from the capital, spending the entire day in their office, offering my prayers there. I stayed almost until it was time to break my fast, hoping they would respond,” she shared.
Mudassir Ahmed, another victim, described how he paid Dh40,000 in two installments in early 2020, with the promise of employment in Canada within a year. “Unfortunately, that never materialized,” Ahmed lamented. Despite considering legal action, he remains hesitant due to the high costs involved, with one criminal lawyer in Dubai demanding $500 merely to send a legal notice.
A Pattern of Deception?
The list of aggrieved clients continues to grow, with similar stories emerging from across the UAE. Christofer Pereira, based in Doha, Qatar, paid Dh65,000 to the firm and filed for a refund in February 2024. Although the firm’s owner promised to return the money by May, only Dh10,450 has been refunded so far. “The next payment never happened. We are suffering from false promises,” Pereira said, adding that he is now considering legal action.
Asif Baig, another UAE resident, paid Dh60,000 and was promised a refund in six installments starting from May 2024. However, none of these payments have been made, prompting him to file a legal suit with the Dubai courts. A Pakistani couple who paid Dh40,000 has also taken legal action, further highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with the firm.
ARM from Karachi, Pakistan, expressed alarm as he is currently involved in an immigration program with the company. After paying CAD 20,000 in January 2024, he has now requested a withdrawal and refund. “I know more than three families who are halfway through this program and are now left in limbo,” ARM said.
Clients Left in Limbo
Hassan Iqbal, another victim, accused the firm of issuing fake documents to give clients false hope. “They wasted two years of my life, shattering my dream to settle abroad with my family. Now I’ve lost the ability to do so according to the requirements of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC),” he stated.
Others, including Siraj Patel, Narinder Singh, and Afsar Agha, have voiced similar concerns. Agha, who paid Dh57,000, is still awaiting a refund, despite repeated assurances from the firm.
Legal Actions and Hope for Justice
As more clients come forward, the list of complaints continues to grow. Many are pursuing legal action, hoping to recover their hard-earned money and hold the firm accountable for the distress and financial losses they have suffered. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in dealing with unscrupulous immigration firms, and the importance of thorough research and due diligence before engaging in such services.
The growing number of victims underscores the need for regulatory oversight and stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, as they strive to secure a better future for themselves and their families abroad.
