MOHRE warns UAE job seekers: verify offers before accepting to avoid recruitment scams
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urges job seekers to verify employment offers through official channels after over 3,200 fake job cases were logged in 2025, with scammers using sophisticated tactics to defraud applicants.
Got a high-paying UAE job offer? MOHRE warns job seekers to check it before accepting
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a warning to job seekers in the UAE and abroad about an ongoing wave of fraudulent employment offers, as authorities recorded more than 3,200 cases of fake overseas job scams in 2025.
Scammers typically promise attractive salaries, immediate hiring and expedited recruitment processes, then demand payment of fees or request sensitive personal and banking information from unsuspecting applicants. These practices violate UAE law, as Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 explicitly prohibits employers from charging workers any recruitment or employment costs, whether directly or indirectly.
Sophisticated scam tactics
Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated in their approach, frequently using company logos, official email signatures and real job descriptions copied from legitimate employers to make fake offers appear convincing. This makes it difficult for job seekers to distinguish between genuine opportunities and fraudulent schemes without proper verification.
The scale of enforcement action reflects the seriousness of the problem. In February 2026, UAE authorities shut down 230 social media accounts in a crackdown on fake job advertisements that lured victims with promises of employment before collecting money for bogus offers. Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre warned in January 2026 about a rise in work visa scams as part of the #BewareOfFraud campaign, emphasising that work visas can only be obtained through official government channels or legally licensed recruitment agencies.
Real cases and financial losses
Past enforcement cases illustrate the financial damage these scams cause. Dubai Police arrested fake recruiters who exploited 150 jobseekers during the pandemic, with the gang charging fees ranging between Dh1,000 and Dh3,000 per victim through a fake recruiting company. The problem extends beyond UAE borders: two women were arrested in the Philippines in July 2024 for illegally recruiting workers for non-existent Dubai jobs, with 18 applicants collectively paying approximately Dh68,655 in processing fees that were later verified as fraudulent through the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai.
Authorities have also warned about fake part-time job scams that trick victims into allowing fraudsters to use their bank accounts to transfer stolen funds, exposing account holders to potential legal consequences beyond simple financial loss.
How to verify a legitimate job offer
Employers are legally required to use a MOHRE-approved contract form when applying for work permits. Official job offers must use the MOHRE-approved job offer form and carry a unique serial number or barcode that allows verification of authenticity online.
Job seekers can verify offers through multiple official channels:
- MOHRE UAE smart app
- MOHRE website at www.mohre.gov.ae by navigating to the 'New Enquiry Services' section and entering the transaction number, company number and permit type
- MOHRE Call Centre at 600590000
If no record appears in the official system, the offer may not be legitimate. The ministry strongly advises job seekers not to pay money, transfer funds or share personal or banking details until they have confirmed through these official channels that the job offer is authentic.
The verification process is straightforward but essential: use the barcode on the offer letter to check whether the offer is genuine before proceeding with any recruitment steps. This simple precaution can protect both money and personal data from sophisticated fraud operations.
