
Work Permit Scams: How to Avoid Fake Job Offers in Dubai
Dubai is a land of opportunity. Every year thousands of skilled and unskilled jobseekers from around the world come here hoping for a better life. But among genuine opportunities, work permit scams in Dubai are a serious risk. Fraudsters promise you wrongly, ask for money, misuse your documents, and vanish. Understanding how to detect fake job offers in Dubai, recognizing Dubai employment visa fraud, knowing typical Dubai job scam warning signs, and avoiding fake recruitment agencies in the UAE are essential to protecting yourself.
What are work permit scams in Dubai?
A work permit scam is when someone offers you employment and claims they will arrange your visa or work permit, but in reality they are trying to cheat you financially or document-wise. Sometimes the scam begins with a job offer that looks too good to be true, then you’re asked to pay for visa processing, training, or other “fees,” and often you never get the promised job or visa. These are a part of the broader Dubai employment visa fraud phenomenon.
These scams frequently use fake recruitment agencies in the UAE or impersonate real ones.
Common Fake Job Offers in Dubai and How Scammers Operate
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) of the United Arab Emirates has warned of the increase in fraudulent visa and employment offers, particularly on the internet. False claims like “Work from home,” “No experience needed,” and “Flexible schedules” are being used by scammers to entice job searchers. Uncertain job descriptions, claims of large incomes, and upfront costs for processing, background checks, or office supplies are common red flags in these frauds.

This is all part of work permit scams in Dubai and Dubai employment visa fraud.
Official Rules & What Genuine Employers Do
- Any job offer in the UAE must be backed by an offer letter issued by MOHRE.
- Employers cover visa and recruitment costs. Applicants should not pay in advance for “recruitment” or “visa” or “work permit” fees.
- Always verify job offers via MOHRE and visas via GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP / eChannels (other emirates).
Quick Dubai Job Scam Warning Signs
- Being asked for payments in advance for a visa, work permit, or training.
- Compensation or benefits that seem too good to be true.
- No formal interview; conversing only via WhatsApp or emails.
- Emails coming from free email domains or messages that are poorly written.
- Unclear and unverifiable information about the employer/agency.
How to avoid fake recruitment agencies in the UAE?
- Verify whether the agency is licensed via the UAE’s National Economic Register or not
- Be careful if they request money before employment starts.
- Confirm only MOHRE issued offer letters or visas directly through MOHRE.
How to Verify a Job Offer & Protect Yourself?
Follow these few steps to ensure that an offer is genuine and escape from falling victim to work permit scams in Dubai:
- Ask for a formal printed MOHRE offer letter.
- Verify job offers via MOHRE’s portal or helpline.
- Check the company's trade license via the UAE National Economic Register.
- Do not pay for recruitment or visa costs—employers bear them.
- Verify visas through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP/eChannels (other emirates).
- Visit the company office, check references, and confirm legitimacy.
- Keep communication records in case of fraud.
How will Cominc Consulting guide?
Choosing a right Dubai Recruitment Agency, like Cominc Consulting, will help job seekers in escaping fraudulent schemes. Cominc consulting assists you by offering
- Verified office locations and contact details for each agency
- Portals for live job openings with actual opportunities.
- An explanation of the areas of expertise for each agency
- Useful advice on how to communicate with and collaborate with these recruiters
- Comprehensive guidance on identifying and avoiding frauds
You can use the Cominc consulting guide to confidently construct your job search strategy without the threat of falling victim to a scam.
FAQ
Check the MOHRE-issued offer letter, verify the company trade license, and confirm visa permits through government portals.
Stop payments, gather evidence, and report via Dubai Police eCrime or MOHRE.
No. Visits or tourist visas do not permit work. Only official employment visas are legal.
Conclusion
Work permit scams in Dubai and fake job offers in Dubai are real threats, but one can stay away from these threats with awareness, vigilance, and verification in official ways. With knowledge of warning signs, no upfront payment, verifying job offers with the MOHRE, and checking companies and visas through government portals, you greatly diminish the threat of getting scammed by a Dubai employment visa scam.
Cominc Consulting is here for you. From interpreting UAE labor law to visa processing to drawing up agreements with employers to safe recruitment, we help job seekers verify job offers and permits and keep away from fake recruitment agencies in the UAE.
Your peace of mind is our priority, ensuring your job in Dubai is real, safe, and properly documented with Cominc Consulting
“Authentic Jobs, Legit Visas, Trusted Futures with Cominc Consulting.”