Warning Against Fake Job Offers and Visa Scams in the UAE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has issued a warning against the proliferation of fake job offers and work visa scams in the United Arab Emirates. According to the ministry, individuals or groups are posing as employers or recruitment agencies and offering jobs in exchange for payments for processing, obtaining visas, or entry permits. These practices, which are strictly illegal, aim to extort money from candidates and exploit their desire to work in the UAE.
Key Points to Note
- The MoHRE emphasizes that authentic job offers are issued only by the ministry or by employers registered with it.
- A tourist or visit visa does not permit legal work in the UAE.
- All recruitment fees must be borne by the employer, and any request for pre-payment should be viewed with suspicion.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To minimize risks, the MoHRE recommends verifying the authenticity of job offers and visas through official platforms, such as the GDRFA for Dubai and eChannels/ICP for other emirates. Candidates can also contact the ministry directly via its chat service, website, or call center to confirm the existence and legality of a job offer.
International Implications
These scams are not limited to UAE residents; Tunisian job seekers looking for employment in the UAE or other countries can also be targeted. In Tunisia, the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training has highlighted that many foreign recruitment agencies operate without licenses, exposing candidates to fake contracts and scams. A draft law is being prepared to strengthen penalties against these frauds, with potential prison sentences of up to five years for unauthorized structures. A recent study confirms that unregulated recruitment and intermediaries promising jobs for high fees are a real problem in the country.
Expert Advice
Experts advise Tunisian candidates to remain vigilant, never pay fees before signing an official contract, and systematically check the legality of agencies and job offers. The MoHRE's warnings and Tunisian measures converge to remind that vigilance is essential in the face of international employment and work visa scams.
