The Rs 23-lakh Golden Visa may not be real, but the crisis it exposes is

Migration is one of humanity’s oldest stories. People have always moved across lands and oceans in search of better weather, better work, and better lives. Whether pushed by conflict or pulled by opportunity, migration is not just about geography or cultural roots. It is a deeply social, emotional and economic decision rooted in the idea of human flourishing.

For some time now, that same story has found a new voice among India’s affluent. The reasons may no longer be famine or war, but they are no less existential. Those who can afford to live elsewhere are increasingly choosing to do so—not out of disloyalty to their country, but because the question has shifted from “Why leave?” to “Why stay?”.

That sentiment exploded recently with news of a new “nomination-based” Golden Visa launched by the UAE—purportedly priced at AED 1,00,000, or about Rs 23 lakh. The visa was said to offer lifetime residency without the need for large real estate or business investments—just a one-time fee, background verification, and approval. It sparked frenzied attention across Indian media, social networks, and WhatsApp groups, prompting calls to consultants.