UAE Job Scam Checks: Verify Offers, Visas and Recruiters

If someone offers you a UAE job through WhatsApp or email, don’t let pressure about payment or quick travel rush your decision. Check the company, official offer and entry permit before you send money or leave home.

Dubai Police recently warned that fake part-time job offers may be used to steal banking information or involve applicants in illegal money transfers. UAE law also prohibits employers from charging workers recruitment and employment fees or costs, whether directly or indirectly.

Stop If the Employer Demands Job Fees

A UAE employer should not ask you to cover its recruitment or employment costs. Treat demands for an interview, registration, training, medical, visa-processing or job-security fee as a warning sign, and stop before making a payment.

Don’t share banking information just because someone sends a company logo, interview message or offer letter. Keep the advertisement, emails, WhatsApp chats, phone numbers, offer documents, payment requests and receipts. These records may help if you need to report suspected fraud.

You can also use GluJob’s fake job checker to review common warning signs before taking the next step.

Check the Company and MOHRE Offer Separately

First, ask for the employer’s full legal name. Check its business licence through the UAE National Economic Register or the economic department for the relevant emirate.

Then find the company’s contact details independently and contact it directly. A company name or licence check tells you that the business exists, but you should still confirm that the person contacting you is connected to the employer.

For a private-sector job regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, you should receive an official MOHRE job offer. Use the offer’s reference or transaction details in MOHRE’s online employment offers and contracts service.

Compare the verified document with what the recruiter promised. Check the employer name, job title, salary and employment conditions. If the online record is missing or the details don’t match, don’t pay or travel until MOHRE and the employer clarify it.

Verify the Entry Permit Before Travelling

A visit or tourist visa does not give you the right to work in the UAE. Working on one can lead to fines and legal liability.

If you’re in Dubai on a visit visa and receive an offer, don’t start the job simply because the employer says the work permit will come later. Wait for the correct employment process and verify the permit.

• Dubai: Check a Dubai-issued visa or entry permit through GDRFA.
• Other six emirates: Check the permit through ICP.

The company licence, job offer and entry permit are separate checks. Complete each relevant check before travelling or beginning work.

Where Expat Workers Can Report Suspected Fraud

In Dubai, suspected job fraud can be reported through the Dubai Police eCrime platform or by calling 901. For employment-related questions, MOHRE’s contact numbers are 600590000 from inside the UAE and 00971-68034000 for international callers.

Indian applicants should also check whether an overseas recruiting agent is registered through the Indian Government’s eMigrate system. If you lose money to a recruiting agent, you can complain through eMigrate or contact OWRC on 1800 11 3090. Indian workers abroad may also seek help from the Indian Mission.

1. Save every message and document.
2. Check the employer’s legal name and licence.
3. Verify the MOHRE offer where applicable.
4. Confirm the entry permit through GDRFA or ICP.
5. Report suspected fraud through the relevant channel.

Before paying or booking travel, contact the employer using details you found yourself and, for a MOHRE-regulated private-sector job, verify the offer directly through MOHRE.