
Checking the Legality of Job Offers in Dubai: How to Spot Scams, Verify Companies, and Protect Your Future
Learn the legal steps to confirm employer legitimacy, validate UAE entry permits and report fake recruiters through Dubai Police’s eCrime platform.

Dubai continues to attract talent from across the globe with its promise of better opportunities. However, fake job scams often exploit these aspirations, causing victims severe financial and emotional distress. These fraudulent schemes target everyone -- students, fresh graduates, and even experienced professionals.
Falling for such scams can result in the loss of hard-earned savings, exposure of sensitive documents such as Emirates IDs or passports, and long-term damage to your career prospects. Beyond monetary harm, the emotional toll can be equally devastating.
To safeguard residents, Dubai Police has shared key legal tips and red flags to help jobseekers recognise and report fraud. If you come across a suspicious job listing or recruiter, you should immediately report it on Dubai Police’s eCrime platform (ecrimehub.gov.ae).
What Makes a Job Offer Illegal?
According to Dubai Police’s eCrime division, a fake job scam involves fraudsters posing as recruiters or employers to extract money or personal information. Tactics include:
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Using fictitious or stolen company names.
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Creating websites that mimic legitimate firms.
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Claiming to represent well-known Dubai-based businesses.
Once victims trust them, scammers demand payments for visa processing, training, or background checks. After the payment, the supposed job offer disappears -- along with the money. In many cases, personal details are also stolen for further misuse.
Legal Precautions for Jobseekers
Dubai Police advises following these steps to ensure the legality of any job offer:
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1. Never pay upfront fees. Genuine employers in Dubai cover all job-related expenses.
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2. Verify company details independently. Visit the company’s official website or contact their main office directly.
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3. Be wary of informal communication. Legitimate companies use official email IDs and communication channels, not just WhatsApp or Telegram.
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4. Trust your instincts. If anything feels suspicious, double-check before submitting documents or payments.
If you encounter a fake offer or a recruiter demanding money:
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Gather all evidence such as emails, offer letters, payment requests, and screenshots.
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Report the scam promptly via eCrime.ae or the Dubai Police app under the eCrime section.
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Stop all communication with the scammer.
How to Verify the Legal Validity of a Job Offer
For a UAE job to be legitimate, you must receive an offer letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). You can verify the offer letter at the UAE embassy in your home country or check its validity using its number on the MoHRE portal: inquiry.mohre.gov.ae.
How to Check if a Company is Legally Registered
To confirm that an employer is licensed and registered in the UAE, search its name (in English or Arabic) on the National Economic Register (NER) -- a federal platform providing accurate and up-to-date data on economic licences.
Steps:
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Visit the NER website.
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Select ‘Inquiry about economic licences’.
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Enter the company name and emirate.
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Click search to verify if it holds a valid trade licence.
How to Verify the Legality of UAE Entry Permits
Always confirm the authenticity of any UAE entry permit or visa:
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Dubai-issued entry permits: Use the GDRFA website (gdrfad.gov.ae/en). Click on Visa Status and enter your file number, nationality, date of birth, and first name.
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Other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah): Use the ICP Smart Services platform (smartservices.icp.gov.ae). Under Public Services, select File Validity and enter your passport or file number and nationality.
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