Receiving a job offer to work in the UAE is great news. Before you start packing, however, it is important to make sure the offer is legitimate and approved by the authorities. If it is not, you could become a victim of labor or visa fraud.

What Is Labor and Visa Fraud?

Visa fraud involves scammers pretending to be employers or agents and offering fake jobs or forged employment visas. They may create fake companies to trick victims into using tourist visas for work, which is illegal. Some may also demand upfront payments for visa processing or insurance.

What the Law Says About Recruitment Procedures

Understanding UAE regulations on employment and visas is the first step in protecting yourself. Tourist and visit visas do not give you the right to work in the UAE, whether paid or unpaid. Working under these visas can lead to heavy fines and legal consequences.

If someone offers you a job in the UAE, they must provide an offer letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Under UAE labor law, the employer is responsible for all recruitment expenses, including work permits, medical tests, and residence visa processing. If you receive a real job offer, you will never be asked to pay for these costs.

Also be aware that a residence visa cannot be processed for applicants outside the UAE. You must first enter the country with a valid entry permit and remain in the UAE until the residence visa process is complete.

Steps to Stay Safe from Labor and Visa Fraud

The employment process in the UAE's private sector involves receiving a formal job offer, signing the contract, receiving the work permit, and then receiving the work visa. Here are several steps you can take to ensure your job offer is real.

Step 1: Ensure the Company Exists

The first step is to learn whether the company offering you the job actually exists. You can search for the company's English and Arabic name in the UAE's National Economic Registry.

Step 2: Ensure the Offer Letter Is Legitimate

If you are offered a job in the UAE, you must receive an offer letter issued by MOHRE and signed by an authorized manager. The job offer contains a detailed description of the rights and obligations of both parties. It must be provided in Arabic and English, as well as a third language that you understand. The employer must sign the offer electronically and send it to you for review and approval.

Step 3: Verify the Validity of the Job Offer

Before you sign, it is wise to verify whether the job offer is valid. Visit MOHRE's inquiry service portal and select Enquiry for Job Offer. You will need to enter the transaction number found on the offer letter, the company number, and the agreed contract dates. If the offer is legitimate, the system will display your job offer details. If important details like the MOHRE logo, transaction number, or company number are missing, proceed with caution.

Step 4: Receive and Verify Your Work Permit

After verifying and signing the job offer, the next step is to receive an electronic entry permit for employment. This permit allows you to enter the UAE and complete your residence visa application. It is typically valid for 60 days from issuance.

If your visa was issued in Dubai, you can check its validity on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA). You will need your application number, transaction number, and payment date. If your permit has already been sent, you can confirm its validity period, including issuance and expiry dates.

If your visa was issued in other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you can check its status on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). You will need your passport information and your Emirate Unified Number, which is a permanent immigration code found on your entry permit.

Step 5: Ask the Right People

If you have questions at any stage of the employment or visa process, you can contact the authorities directly.

For Dubai, you can contact GDRFA on their toll free number. For other emirates, you can call ICP's helpline or use their live chat service for immediate feedback.

By following these steps, you can confirm whether your job offer is real and ensure that your move to the UAE is safe, legal, and stress free.