Dubai Police have issued a warning about the rise in fake work visa scams in the UAE. The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation has urged the public to stay vigilant about fraudsters offering employment and visa sponsorships with no legal basis.
Authorities emphasised that work visas are issued only through official government channels or legally licensed recruitment agencies, and that any offers coming from other sources should be viewed with caution.
Police noted that victims are frequently approached via social media, messaging applications, or informal networks, where scammers impersonate agents or company representatives and take advantage of job seekers’ urgency. To protect themselves, Dubai Police urged residents to take several preventive steps, including:
- Confirming the legitimacy of visa offers with the appropriate official authorities before paying any fees
- Relying solely on authorised channels such as accredited recruitment agencies and government platforms
- Being wary of individuals or groups that claim to offer 'guaranteed' visas or faster alternatives outside established legal processes.
Suspicious offers can be reported through the Dubai Police smart app, the eCrime platform for online and cyber-related offences, or by calling 901.