UAE Work Permits: How Expats Can Check Offers and Avoid Fines

If a recruiter has sent you a UAE offer and is asking for money, don’t rush to pay or start work. First confirm that the offer, employer and work permit are genuine.

The UAE Government Portal says nobody may work in the country without a valid Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation permit. Emirates News Agency, WAM, says employers can face fines from AED100,000 to AED1 million for serious permit and recruitment violations.

These rules apply to foreign workers generally, including Indian, Kenyan and other expat job seekers.

Which UAE Work Permit Do You Need?

MoHRE has 13 work permit categories. They cover overseas recruitment, worker transfers, family-sponsored residents, temporary work, mission work, part-time work, juveniles, students, UAE and GCC nationals, Golden Visa holders, national trainees, freelancers and private teachers.

The correct category depends on your status and the work you’ll do. Having permission to enter or live in the UAE does not automatically mean you can start a job.

For example, if you’re in Dubai on a visit visa and receive an offer, you cannot begin working while the employer arranges the permit. This includes starting a trial shift. A tourist or visit visa does not authorise employment, and working under one can lead to fines and legal liability.

Illegal Recruitment Can Bring Heavy Fines

An employer can face fines between AED100,000 and AED1 million for employing workers without proper permits, misusing permits, bringing people into the UAE without providing genuine jobs, or closing without settling workers’ rights.

Fictitious recruitment also carries fines from AED100,000 to AED1 million. The penalty is multiplied by the number of workers involved.

For job seekers, a major warning sign is a recruiter or employer asking you to pay recruitment or employment costs. UAE rules prohibit an employer from charging these costs to a worker, either directly or indirectly.

Indian missions have also warned job seekers about bogus agencies offering jobs or residency in return for payment. Indian applicants should verify both the recruiting agent and the employer through official Indian channels before handing over money, a passport, or educational and experience certificates.

If a message feels suspicious, you can also review it with GluJob’s fake job checker.

How to Check an Offer Before You Work

1. Ask for the official offer. A genuine UAE job offer should be issued through MoHRE and signed by the authorised employer.
2. Check the reference number. Use the MoHRE offer inquiry service. Enter the transaction number, passport details, nationality and date of birth.
3. Compare every detail. Confirm that the employer, salary and job title match what the recruiter promised.
4. Check your visa separately. Use GDRFA Dubai for a Dubai entry or residence permit. For other emirates, use the ICP file validity service.
5. Do not pay job-related costs. Do not pay a UAE employer for recruitment, an entry visa or a work permit.
6. Keep evidence. Save the offer, contract, payment requests and recruiter messages.

If the details don’t match, or you suspect a labour violation, contact MoHRE’s Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.

Before travelling or reporting for duty, enter your offer reference in MoHRE’s inquiry service and check every detail.