Every week, people looking for work in the UAE lose money to fake recruiters. The messages look real: a company logo, an “offer letter”, a friendly HR person on WhatsApp. Then comes the request: pay a small fee for the visa, the medical, the “file processing” or the interview slot.
Here is the one rule to remember: a genuine employer in the UAE does not ask you to pay for a job. UAE labour law does not allow employers to charge workers recruitment or hiring costs, directly or indirectly.
Warning signs of a fake job offer
- They ask for money. Visa fee, medical fee, registration, training, “refundable deposit” – any payment request is the biggest red flag.
- The offer is too good and too fast. A high salary, free accommodation and a “confirmed” job without a proper interview.
- The email is from Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook. Real companies usually write from their own domain, like name@company.ae or name@company.com.
- Pressure to decide now. “Only 2 seats left”, “pay today or lose the job”.
- They want sensitive details early. Passport copy, Emirates ID, bank card numbers or OTP codes before any real interview.
- Contact only through WhatsApp or Telegram. No office address, no landline, no company website you can check.
- The offer letter looks odd. Spelling mistakes, a blurry logo, or no reference number.
How to check if a job is real
- Find the job on the company’s own website. Go to the company’s official site yourself (search the company name – don’t use the link in the message) and look at its careers page.
- Check the email address. The part after @ should match the company’s real website.
- Call the company on a number from its official website, not the number the “recruiter” gave you, and ask if the vacancy and the person are real.
- Verify the job offer with MOHRE. An official UAE job offer is issued on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation form with a reference number. You can check it through the MOHRE app, the MOHRE website or the MOHRE call centre on 600590000.
- If an agency is involved, check that it is licensed by MOHRE. Licensed agencies are listed by the ministry.
Walk-in interviews: stay safe
- Walk-in interviews are free. Nobody should charge you to enter.
- Check the venue on Google Maps. Real walk-ins are usually at the company’s office, a hotel hall or a known business centre.
- Carry copies of your CV and certificates, but don’t hand over your original passport.
- If someone at the venue asks for money “to confirm your selection”, walk away.
If you have already paid or shared details
- Stop all payments and don’t send any more money, even if they promise a refund.
- Call your bank straight away if you shared card details or an OTP.
- Keep screenshots of chats, emails, phone numbers and payment receipts.
- Report it to MOHRE (600590000) and to the police. In Dubai you can use the Dubai Police eCrime platform; in other emirates, contact the local police.
- Warn others – tell the company that its name was misused.
How UrgentJobsDubai helps
We only post jobs we can trace back to the company itself, and the Apply button takes you to the company’s own page or published contact. We never ask job seekers for money and we never contact anyone offering jobs. If someone uses our name to ask you for payment, it is a scam – please tell us at support@urgentjobsdubai.com.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change – check MOHRE for the latest guidance.