UAE Alert: How to Protect Yourself from Job Scams?
In a growing trend, UAE authorities are urging job seekers to remain vigilant against recruitment scams that exploit individuals seeking employment.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has highlighted the deceptive tactics used by scammers, who often advertise enticing offers with phrases like “Work from home,” “No experience needed,” and “Flexible schedule.”
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As job hunting increasingly moves online, the risk of falling victim to fraud has escalated. Scammers frequently promise high salaries for minimal effort, provide vague job descriptions, or bypass interviews entirely.
A major warning sign is when applicants are asked to pay upfront fees for application processing, background checks, or necessary supplies.
To help job seekers navigate this landscape, MoHRE emphasizes that any legitimate job offer in the UAE must include an official offer letter issued through their system.
This document is crucial for obtaining a work visa and ensures compliance with the legal hiring process.
MoHRE officials stress, “Job seekers should never agree to pay money to secure a job. Genuine employers cover all recruitment costs.”
Moreover, working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE and can result in penalties. All employment must be formalized through MoHRE, followed by the issuance of a valid work visa.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid scams, MoHRE has provided essential guidelines:
- Verify Job Offers: Ensure every legitimate offer comes through MoHRE. Do not proceed without confirmation.
- Check Authenticity: Use MoHRE’s job offer number online or contact the UAE embassy in your home country to verify offers.
- Avoid Employment on Visit Visas: Wait for an approved work visa before starting any job, as visit visas do not permit work.
- Do Not Pay Recruitment Fees: UAE labor laws place the responsibility for recruitment costs on employers.
- Confirm Company Legitimacy: Use the National Economic Register to check if the company is registered in the UAE.
- Contact MoHRE for Assistance: If in doubt, reach out to the ministry at +971 6802 7666 or email ask@mohre.gov.ae.
For visa verification, those in Dubai can consult the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), while others can use the ICP’s eChannels platform.
Tourist visas should only be obtained from official sources, such as UAE-based airlines or licensed travel agencies.
MoHRE continues to strengthen protections for workers and encourages job seekers to verify all offers and avoid engaging with unauthorized agents or suspicious platforms.
By staying informed and cautious, job seekers can better navigate the employment landscape in the UAE.
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