Indian Consulate Launches Walk-In Legal Camp to Tackle Worker Exploitation
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced a dedicated walk-in Legal Counselling Camp to provide direct assistance to Indian nationals living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This initiative is designed to offer immediate legal support to workers, allowing them to bypass the need for appointments or the use of middlemen.
A Warning Against Biometric and Visa Scams
The camp comes as a critical response to a surge in fraudulent activities targeting vulnerable blue-collar workers. Authorities have issued a stern warning regarding unauthorised agents who are operating under the guise of providing job placements, visa regularisation, or emergency certificates.
These scammers are reportedly harvesting highly sensitive personal information, including:
- Passports and Emirates IDs
- Biometric data, such as fingerprint scans, eye scans, and facial recognition data
The Consulate has explicitly clarified that it does not collect biometric data for these types of services. Engaging with these fraudulent agents can lead to severe consequences, such as victims facing unauthorised loans, illegal financial transactions, travel bans, and even potential imprisonment.
Addressing Critical Labour Issues
With a massive Indian population residing in the UAE—estimated at approximately 43 lakh—the Consulate is focusing on resolving long-standing grievances that impact the livelihoods of many. The legal camp aims to provide guidance on several pressing matters, including:
- Unpaid end-of-service benefits
- The illegal confiscation of passports by employers
- Predatory and unfair contract practices
This intervention is part of the broader 'Seva Pakhwada' fortnight, a series of community-focused programmes being conducted by Indian missions across the GCC, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi.
Event Schedule and Contact Information
Indian nationals seeking legal assistance can attend the session at the following time and location:
- Date: Monday, 21 September 2026
- Time: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Venue: Consulate Auditorium
For those who suspect they have been targeted by biometric or visa fraud, immediate help is available through the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra via these channels:
- Toll-free number: 80046342
- WhatsApp/SMS: +971 54 309 0571