eDubai Visa Processing Under Scrutiny After Sri Lankans in UK Report Undisclosed Deposit Demands
By Colombo Wire Investigations Desk
Several Sri Lankan nationals living in the United Kingdom have raised concerns over the Dubai visit visa application process after alleging that a private visa facilitation service operating under the name “eDubai Visa” demanded additional deposits that were not disclosed at the time of application.
According to complaints received by Colombo Wire, affected individuals are Sri Lankan passport holders who hold lawful residency status in the UK and applied online for a Dubai visit visa through the eDubai Visa platform. Applicants say that at no stage during the initial application process was it stated that Sri Lankan nationals would be required to pay an additional deposit beyond the advertised visa processing fee.
Initial Payment Followed by Unexpected Demand
One complainant told Colombo Wire that they paid approximately USD 225 as the stated visa processing fee. Only after this payment was completed, the applicant was contacted by the service provider and informed that Sri Lankan passport holders are required to pay an additional deposit for the visa application to proceed.
The justification given, according to the complainant, was that Sri Lankan nationals fall under a category requiring extra financial guarantees. However, applicants say this condition was not publicly disclosed on the eDubai Visa website prior to payment.
“This was never mentioned when we applied,” the complainant said. “Only after paying the visa fee were we told that we must pay more money, otherwise the application would not move forward.”
Further Complications: Abu Dhabi or Sharjah Processing
Adding to the confusion, some applicants claim they were subsequently informed that their visas could not be processed through Dubai, but instead would need to be handled via Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. This development, they say, creates additional uncertainty, as their original intention was to travel directly to Dubai under a Dubai-issued visit visa.
For UK-based Sri Lankan residents, this has raised practical and legal concerns, including questions about entry points, airline bookings, and compliance with visa conditions.
Growing Number of Complaints
Colombo Wire has now been contacted by multiple Sri Lankan nationals in the UK reporting similar experiences. Many have expressed frustration that they are placed in a difficult position after payment—either to pay additional sums or abandon their application with limited clarity on refunds.
The situation has prompted broader questions about whether such deposit requirements are official UAE policy or the practice of individual private visa intermediaries.
Questions for UAE Authorities
In light of the growing number of complaints, Colombo Wire has sought clarification from relevant Dubai and UAE authorities on several key issues:
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Is there an official requirement for Sri Lankan passport holders living in the UK to pay an additional deposit when applying for a Dubai visit visa?
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If such a requirement exists, why is it not clearly stated upfront by visa processing platforms before applicants make payment?
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If no such requirement exists, are private visa facilitators authorised to impose additional deposits based on nationality?
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Will UAE authorities investigate and take action against visa agents or platforms found to be charging undisclosed or unauthorised fees?
As of publication, no official response has yet been received.
Transparency and Consumer Protection Concerns
While the UAE maintains one of the most sophisticated visa and immigration systems in the region, the complaints highlight potential gaps in oversight when third-party visa facilitators operate online, especially across jurisdictions.
For Sri Lankan nationals living abroad—particularly those lawfully resident in countries such as the UK—the lack of transparency has created uncertainty and inconvenience in what should otherwise be a straightforward travel process.
Awaiting Official Clarification
Colombo Wire will continue to follow this issue and publish responses from the UAE authorities or eDubai Visa if and when they are received. Affected individuals have been advised to retain all correspondence, receipts, and payment records relating to their visa applications.
This matter remains under investigation.