UAE Job Scam Guide: Check Offers, Visas and Payment Demands

If someone offers you a UAE job through WhatsApp and asks for money before you travel, stop before sending anything. Official UAE guidance says recruitment expenses are the employer’s responsibility, and foreign job seekers should verify the offer, company and entry permit independently.

The Official Platform of the UAE Government says a genuine private-sector job offer should be issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, known as MOHRE, and signed by the employer’s authorised representative.

Check the MOHRE Offer and Employer

Ask for the job offer’s reference or transaction number. You can enter it in the MOHRE Offer Inquiry service to check whether the offer is valid.

Do this yourself. Don’t depend on a screenshot, PDF or verification link supplied only by the recruiter. A document can look professional and still require an independent check through MOHRE.

You should also confirm that the company legally exists. Search for both its English and Arabic names in the National Economic Register, then contact the employer using details published on its genuine website. Be careful if the full interview and hiring process happens only through WhatsApp or another messaging app.

A messaging app by itself doesn’t prove that an offer is fake. The safer approach is to move outside the chat and check the MOHRE reference and company separately.

Do Not Pay for a Promised Job or Visa

UAE labour rules place recruitment expenses on the employer, not the worker. Don’t pay a recruiter, supposed employer or WhatsApp contact for a promised job, work permit or employment visa.

Fake part-time job offers may ask for upfront payments, bank details, card information or one-time passwords. Some scammers may also ask to receive or transfer money through your personal bank account. Never disclose an OTP or password, and don’t let a supposed employer use your account to move money.

If you receive a payment request, save it and verify the offer through the official MOHRE service before continuing.

Verify the Entry Permit Before Travelling

Check a Dubai-issued visa or entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or GDRFA. Permits issued by the other six emirates should be checked through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, known as ICP.

The UAE Government’s visa tracking guidance directs applicants to the correct service. Match the issuing emirate with the right authority instead of trusting a visa image sent in a chat.

A tourist or visit visa does not give you permission to work in the UAE. For example, if you’re in Dubai on a visit visa and receive an offer, don’t start working on that visa. Verify the job offer and the correct employment documents first.

Save Evidence and Report Suspected Fraud

Keep screenshots of chats, advertisements, phone numbers, email addresses and payment requests. Save receipts too if money has already been sent. These records can help the authorities understand what happened.

Cyber-enabled financial scams in Dubai can be reported through the Dubai Police eCrime platform. Reports can also be made to Dubai Police by calling 901. In another emirate, report suspected cyber fraud to the local police.

For labour claims or advice, workers can contact MOHRE through its website, mobile application or the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.

Before replying to the recruiter, ask for the MOHRE offer reference and verify it independently.