Dubai authorities have escalated warnings about a concerning increase in fraudulent employment visa schemes targeting residents. The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation revealed that criminals are exploiting job seekers through sophisticated social media and messaging platform campaigns.
According to official statements, scammers are posing as legitimate recruitment agents and company representatives, offering falsified employment opportunities and expedited visa processing in exchange for substantial upfront payments. These operations specifically target individuals demonstrating urgency in securing employment documentation, leveraging informal networks to appear authentic.
Police emphasized that legitimate work visas can only be processed through two authorized channels: official government portals and legally accredited recruitment agencies. Any offers originating outside these established pathways should immediately raise suspicion among job seekers.
The modus operandi typically involves perpetrators contacting victims through digital platforms with promises of guaranteed employment or accelerated visa processing, often requesting payment before providing any legitimate documentation. These transactions frequently occur through untraceable financial channels, making recovery of lost funds extremely difficult.
Protective measures recommended by authorities include:
– Conducting thorough verification of visa offers through official government channels before any financial transaction
– Exclusively utilizing accredited recruitment offices and government-sanctioned platforms for employment documentation
– Maintaining heightened skepticism toward individuals or organizations promising visa guarantees or regulatory shortcuts
Victims or those encountering suspicious offers are encouraged to report incidents through multiple official channels: the Dubai Police smart application, the dedicated eCrime platform for cyber-related offenses, or the non-emergency police hotline at 901. Early reporting helps prevent further victimization and assists investigations into these criminal networks.