How to spot a fake job offer in the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regularly warns job seekers about fake job offers and visa scams. Real estate is no exception: some “offers” are only a way to collect fees. Here is what to look for, and how to protect yourself.
The golden rule: you should not pay to get a job
MoHRE reminds job seekers that employers are legally responsible for recruitment-related costs. If someone asks you to pay for a job, a contract or a residency visa, stop and check.
On CloserPass, candidates never pay to apply.
Warning signs
Be careful if:
- you are asked to pay money for a job, a contract or a residency document;
- the offer does not come through MoHRE or there is no official work entry permit;
- you are told you can work on a tourist or visit visa. MoHRE is clear: a tourist or visit visa does not give you the right to work in the UAE;
- the company cannot be found in the National Economic Register;
- the job offer number cannot be verified on the MoHRE website;
- someone says your residency visa can be completed while you are outside the UAE;
- the person avoids written contracts, official emails or meetings at a real office.
How to check an offer
- Check the job offer. Genuine offers use the official MoHRE job offer form, which carries a unique serial number (barcode). MoHRE says you can check the offer number under Application Status Inquiry on its website.
- Check the company in the National Economic Register.
- Check the visa through the official channels: GDRFA for Dubai visas, or ICP eChannels for the other emirates.
- For real estate jobs, check the agency licence. Every licensed brokerage in Dubai has an ORN that you can check on the official Dubai REST app. See How to check an ORN or a BRN.
Who to contact
MoHRE lists the following contacts for questions about job offers: phone +971 6 802 7666, email, and live chat on its website. For Dubai visas, Amer offers a live chat; for the other emirates, ICP eChannels.
If you think you are facing a scam, do not pay, keep every message and receipt, and contact the authorities.
Report a suspicious job on CloserPass
Every job on CloserPass is reviewed before publication, and only licensed agencies can post. If you see something suspicious, use the Report this job button on the job page. We remove the job while we check.
This guide summarises official warnings reported by UAE media on the dates shown in the sources. Procedures can change: always confirm on the official MoHRE, GDRFA or ICP websites.