Refund Policy
Last updated: March 2026
Summary
Wathim publishes a free public library and operates a paid GCC government services desk. The free guides are free, with nothing to refund. Where a client engages the desk on a paid case, this policy explains how desk fees are handled if work has or has not started. Government and third-party charges are paid directly to the authority or provider and must be refunded by that organisation, not by us.
1. Free Public Library
The guides, country pages, fee tables, and FAQs on wathim.com are free to read. No payment is collected for the public library, so there is nothing to refund on the reader side.
If a website or person claims to charge Wathim fees on our behalf for the public guides, please report it to support@wathim.com so we can investigate.
2. Paid Desk Services
Where you have engaged the Wathim services desk on a paid case, the following applies:
- Cancellation before work starts: full refund of the desk fee, less any payment processor charge.
- Cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email to support@wathim.com.
- Government and third-party fees already paid on your behalf are non-refundable through Wathim and must be reclaimed from the authority or provider directly.
3. Why Refunds From Wathim Do Not Apply to Government Outcomes
Final decisions on visas, residency, ID, licences, attestation, and fines rest with the relevant authority. The following situations are not eligible for a desk fee refund:
- Your application is refused by the relevant authority despite accurate filing
- You decide not to proceed mid-case after work has started
- A medical, biometric, or document step does not go your way
- Your sponsor or employer changes their decision
- You change country, emirate, or service type mid-case
- Rules or fees change after we have filed
- Your file is delayed by a portal, typing centre, or courier outside our control
4. Exception: Wathim Billing Errors
If you are charged in error by Wathim, we will:
- Refund the incorrect charge in full to the original payment method
- Or, at your preference, apply equivalent credit toward a future case
This exception covers Wathim billing mistakes only. It does not cover charges by any government portal, typing centre, courier, or third party.
5. Government and Third-Party Fees
Government and third-party fees are never refundable through Wathim.
These charges are paid directly to external organisations and are entirely outside our control. We cannot issue refunds for them under any circumstances:
- Authority Fees: Visa, residency, ID, driving licence, attestation, fines, and overstay charges paid to any GCC government portal or counter.
- Typing Centre Fees: Charges by registered typing centres or service points for filling in forms and submitting applications.
- Translation and Attestation Fees: Charges by translators, notaries, embassies, and attestation services.
- Other Third-Party Charges: Courier costs, photo studios, biometric fees, or any other third-party service used during the process.
For refunds on government or third-party fees, please contact the organisation that took the payment directly.
6. Additional Paid Features
If we introduce additional paid features such as premium guides or downloadable templates alongside the desk service, refund terms will be published on the relevant feature page:
- Refund eligibility, time limits, and conditions will be shown before purchase.
- Where required by law, statutory rights to a cooling off period will be honoured.
- Any paid feature terms will sit alongside this policy and will not override your statutory rights.
7. How to Reach Us About a Payment
If you believe you have been charged in error by Wathim:
- Email us with the charge details and a copy of the receipt at support@wathim.com, including your full name, the date of the charge, and the reason for the request.
- We will review your request within 7 business days and respond with our decision.
- Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 business days.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Refund Policy, please contact us:
Questions About a Charge?
Wathim runs a paid services desk alongside a free public library. If you spot a desk fee billing issue or a published fee that does not match an official portal, get in touch.