The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has raised the alarm over a rise in fake job offers circulating online, particularly targeting young Emiratis and foreign nationals eager to work in the UAE.
Authorities revealed that scammers are using social media pages and fraudulent websites, posing as legitimate recruiters. These schemes often ask applicants to pay for “processing fees,” only for them to realize later that the offers were never real.
To prevent further exploitation, MoHRE reminded the public to only accept job offers that follow the official format provided by the Ministry. Each legitimate offer includes a barcode that links to the Ministry’s employment contract system, enabling job seekers to verify its authenticity via MoHRE’s call center (600590000), website, or mobile app.
“The job offer and employment contract must match exactly,” the Ministry emphasized, warning that any discrepancy could signal a scam. It added that job offers must clearly state key details like salary structure, contract type, rest days, and the notice period. Additional terms may be offered by employers but must not conflict with UAE labor laws or official regulations.
MoHRE also clarified that for anyone being recruited from outside the UAE, a valid job offer must be issued first before the employer submits a preliminary work permit application.
The Ministry underscored that employers bear full responsibility for securing legal work permits before hiring. If a worker is employed without one, the employer is still obligated to fulfill all legal obligations and entitlements under labor laws. Disputes that cannot be resolved are elevated to the courts, with both the employer and employee held accountable.
The UAE government’s official portal echoed the warning, urging job seekers to avoid entering the country on tourist or visit visas for employment purposes. It stressed that doing so is illegal and may lead to penalties.
The portal also reminded the public that under UAE law, all recruitment costs must be shouldered by employers — not job seekers. Those who wish to verify a company’s legitimacy can use the National Economic Register or confirm the validity of entry permits through official government platforms depending on the emirate.