The promise of working from home with no experience required may sound like a dream come true—but the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is reminding job seekers that it could very well be a scam.
As online job hunting becomes more common, so too have deceptive schemes targeting vulnerable applicants. These fraudulent offers often come with tempting keywords like “flexible schedule” or “quick hiring” and may involve high pay for vague responsibilities. A major warning sign is when applicants are asked to pay upfront fees for job placement, background checks, or equipment.
“Job seekers should never agree to pay money to secure a job,” MoHRE stressed in an official statement. The ministry emphasized that legitimate employers shoulder all recruitment costs and that job offers must always be processed through the ministry’s own system.
Any legitimate employment in the UAE must begin with an official job offer issued by MoHRE. Only after this document is received can a work visa be granted. Working on a tourist or visit visa is strictly prohibited and can result in serious penalties.
To help job seekers protect themselves, MoHRE recommends verifying job offers through the ministry’s platforms or the UAE embassy in their home country. The ministry also advises checking the legitimacy of companies via the National Economic Register and never engaging with unofficial agents or suspicious websites.
For those applying to jobs based in Dubai, visa verification can be done through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. For other emirates, the ICP’s eChannels platform is the official channel.
MoHRE also offers digital services for contract processing and work permit renewals, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding workers and ensuring fair employment practices across the UAE.
