Indian Islamic Centre celebrates 40th anniversary

Abu Dhabi, May 5: Calling the youth force as future of India and United Arab Emirates, P K Kunhali Kutty, Kerala state Minister for Industries & Information Technology, said that quality education and advanced technical knowhow is the need of the hour.

Addressing the 40th anniversary celebrations of Indian Islamic Centre at the IIC Main Hall, Abu Dhabi on May 2, Mr Kutty said that he had worked towards strengthening bilateral ties between India and UAE in the field of trade and commerce.

He said that the pension scheme for labourers was one of the important service accomplished by the government of India.

Mr Kutty also said that Keralites are very hard working and they are very much concerned about their homeland.

Inaugurating the programme, Minister for Youth and Community Development, UAE, Sheik Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated IIC for its service towards the community. He also appreciated the hard work and dedication of all Indian expatriates in UAE.

Indian Ambassador to UAE T P Seetharam, who was guest of honour, said that the IIC was doing yeomen service towards the community.

Yousuf Ali.M.A., Managing Director, Lulu Group was chief guest on the function.

Sheikh Nahyan felicitated the recipient of Pravasi Bharathiya Samman Award – 2014 Dr Shamsheer,MD, LLH Hospitals group on the occasion.

Mohamed Ali Uchil and Abdulla Madumoole, representatives of Bearys Welfare Forum- Abu Dhabi, felicitated Dr.Shamsher for his outstanding performance towards the society and receiving the Pravasi Bharthiya Award.

COO UAE Exchange Sudheer Shetty and Chairman SFC K Muralidharan were also felicitated on the occasion.

The programme began with the recitation of holy Quran. M P Rasheed welcomed the gathering. Usman K presented the annual report and briefed the activities of IIC to the gathering. Shukur Ali proposed vote of thanks.

IIC President Natarajan; Gen Sec. Vinod, Taha Medical Centre, Dr Taha; President IIC Abu Dhabi P Bava Haji and Chairman Asian School Saleem Haji were also present.

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Dubai dreams dashed: Indian tourists hit by surge in visa rejections amid new UAE rules

News Network

December 11,2024

A sudden wave of visa rejections is shattering the travel plans of Indian tourists hoping to visit Dubai. Stricter visa norms introduced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have left travelers scrambling, causing financial losses and widespread frustration.

Indian tourists are facing an unprecedented rate of visa denials, with rejection rates skyrocketing from a mere 1-2% to 5-6% daily. These rejections are happening despite applicants meticulously submitting confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, and other required documents.

Tightened Rules and Rising Challenges
The UAE’s newly imposed regulations demand additional proof of accommodation, whether in hotels or with relatives. For those staying with family, documents such as the host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID, and residence visa copy must now be submitted.

Travelers and travel agencies report that even flawless applications are being rejected. “Even when confirmed flight tickets and hotel stay details are attached, the visa applications are being rejected,” said Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd.

In a striking case, a family of four—despite submitting all required documents—faced rejection, derailing their meticulously planned trip. Similarly, a group of 35 saw their vacation plans collapse when one member’s visa was denied.

Mounting Financial Losses
The rejections are not just a logistical nightmare but also a financial burden. Passengers are losing thousands on visa fees, pre-booked flight tickets, and hotel reservations. Vijay Thakkar, director of Hasmukh Travels, shared how two of his clients lost nearly ₹34,000 due to visa denials.

Advisory from Travel Experts
Travel experts are urging applicants to avoid shortcuts like dummy tickets or fake documents, which could lead to lifelong bans. “Dubai is extremely strict. Rejections can create long-term complications. Ensure all documents are genuine and complete,” advised Nilesh Bhansali, president of the Travel Agents Association of Pune.

UAE’s New Visa Norms
The UAE has raised the bar for tourist visa applications, requiring travelers to:

Submit hotel reservation proof and return tickets.
Provide bank statements for the last three months with a minimum balance of ₹50,000.
Present PAN cards if opting for hotel stays.

These measures aim to tighten entry protocols but have left many Indian travelers stranded, frustrated, and financially strained. For now, aspiring Dubai visitors must navigate these new hurdles with caution and precision to keep their travel dreams alive.

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