In a bid to protect prospective workers from falling prey to fraudulent job offers, the United Arab Emirates has ramped up its campaign to educate jobseekers on verifying employment opportunities. The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued fresh guidance amid a surge in visa scams and fake recruitment schemes that have left many hopeful candidates financially and emotionally devastated.
The ministry emphasized that all legitimate job offers in the UAE must originate through its official channels, adhering to a standardized process designed to ensure transparency. “Every authentic job offer is registered with MOHRE and issued on a standard contract form,” a ministry spokesperson explained. These documents come equipped with a unique serial number or barcode, enabling candidates to authenticate them via the ministry’s online portal at
For jobseekers, the verification process is straightforward yet critical. MOHRE advises individuals to cross-check the offer letter’s details—such as job title, salary structure (whether monthly, daily, or commission-based), weekly leave, start date, notice period, and company number—with the final employment contract. Retaining a signed copy of the agreement is also recommended as a safeguard. “If any discrepancies arise or key information is absent, candidates should immediately raise concerns with the employer,” the ministry cautioned.
For those applying from abroad, additional steps are encouraged. UAE embassies worldwide serve as a first point of contact for preliminary verification, offering guidance on spotting red flags. Meanwhile, MOHRE’s digital platform provides a robust tool under its “New Enquiry Services” section, where users can input the transaction number, company number, and permit type to confirm an offer’s legitimacy. “No record in our system is a strong indicator that the offer may be fraudulent or unregistered,” the ministry noted.
The stakes are high once an offer is accepted. Employers are responsible for uploading the signed offer into MOHRE’s database and initiating the visa process. Jobseekers can further track their entry permit’s status through official UAE visa channels, ensuring no shortcuts have been taken. However, the ministry warns that missing transaction or company numbers should prompt immediate follow-up with the employer.
To bolster confidence in hiring entities, the National Economic Registry (NER) at offers a public database of registered businesses. Accessible via a UAE Pass account, the platform allows users to search for a company’s licensing details by entering its name in Arabic and English. This step has proven invaluable for uncovering sham operations masquerading as legitimate employers.
The UAE’s proactive stance reflects its status as a global hub for professionals, attracting talent from every corner of the world. Yet, this appeal has also made it a target for scammers exploiting desperate jobseekers with promises of lucrative careers. Recent reports highlight cases where victims paid hefty fees for nonexistent jobs or arrived in the UAE only to find their “employers” had vanished.
Authorities are urging vigilance as they crack down on these illicit schemes. “Our goal is to protect workers and maintain the UAE’s reputation as a safe and credible employment destination,” the MOHRE spokesperson said. With these tools and safeguards in place, jobseekers are better equipped to navigate the process—and avoid the pitfalls of deception.
