UAE travellers warned of scammers offering ‘faster Schengen visa’ for a fee

UAE visa

For entertainment professional R.S., an opportunity to perform at a festival in Portugal was a dream come true. However, the hurdle of obtaining a Schengen visa stood between him and his aspirations. Feeling the pressure of short notice and the likelihood of not securing appointment slots on time, R.S. was tempted by an agent's promise to assist him for a fee of Dh500. Fortunately, he heeded the advice of friends, who warned him about the potential scam and the exorbitant expense.

In response to such instances, passport and visa outsource company VFS Global issued a warning against fraudulent agents preying on travelers seeking Schengen visa appointments. Monaz Billimoria, UAE Regional Head of VFS Global, emphasized that charging fees to secure appointment slots is a clear indication of fraudulent activity. The company stressed that VFS Global does not levy any charges for booking appointments on its official website dedicated to visa applications. While some governments may require pre-payment of service fees at the time of appointment booking, this payment is reimbursed or deducted during the application process. This precautionary step aims to ensure that genuine travelers utilize the appointment booking system while safeguarding it against misuse by fraudulent entities.

Addressing the growing demand for UK visas among UAE residents planning their summer vacations, VFS Global has introduced premium centers across four emirates. With visa appointment slots filling up rapidly, the agency advises travelers to plan their trips well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Last year, travelers experienced lengthy wait times of up to three months to secure Schengen visa appointments, prompting many to turn to unauthorized agents promising expedited processing for a fee. Unfortunately, numerous UAE residents have fallen victim to such scams, resulting in financial losses.

The cautionary statement from VFS Global serves as a timely reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and exercise caution when seeking visa assistance. Instead of resorting to dubious agents, individuals are encouraged to utilize official channels and adhere to the prescribed procedures for visa applications. By doing so, travelers can mitigate the risk of falling prey to fraudulent schemes and ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa application process.

In conclusion, while the prospect of expedited visa processing may seem appealing, travelers must exercise caution and refrain from engaging with unauthorized agents. By following official protocols and relying on reputable service providers like VFS Global, travelers can safeguard themselves against scams and ensure a legitimate and secure visa application process.