Dubai: Don’t get scammed in 2026. Learn the 5 major red flags of fake Dubai job offers, including illegal recruitment fees and how to verify your offer letter through the official MOHRE portal.
In 2026, as the Dubai job market becomes more digital, scammers have become more sophisticated, using AI-generated offer letters and fake LinkedIn profiles. For job seekers from India, Pakistan, and beyond, falling for a scam can mean losing thousands of dollars in “fees.”
Here is how to spot a fake job offer in 2026 before you spend a single Dirham.
1. You Are Asked to Pay “Processing” or “Visa” Fees
This is the #1 rule of the UAE labor market: The employer must pay all recruitment costs.
- The Scam: You receive a professional-looking offer letter, but it states you must pay for your visa, medical insurance, or “security clearance” upfront, which will be “reimbursed” later.
- The Reality: Any request for money—whether for “documentation,” “office training,” or “courier charges”—is a 100% guarantee that the job is fake.
2. The Offer Comes Without a Proper Interview
In 2026, Dubai companies are highly selective. No reputable firm will hire you based solely on your CV without at least two rounds of video interviews.
- The Scam: You receive an offer letter via WhatsApp or email just 24 hours after “applying,” often for a high salary (AED 15,000+) despite having little experience.
- The Reality: If it feels too easy, it’s a scam. Real HR departments in the UAE use official portals and multiple screening stages.
3. The Email Address is Generic (Gmail/Hotmail/Outlook)
A billion-dirham company in Dubai will never use a generic email address to send a legal contract.
- The Scam: You get an email from
recruitment.emirates@gmail.comorhr-department.adnoc@outlook.com. - The Reality: Official emails will always match the company’s website domain (e.g.,
@emirates.comor@adnoc.ae). Scammers often use “look-alike” domains like@recruitment-emirates.ae(notice the extra hyphen).
4. The “Travel Agency” Requirement
This is a classic 2026 tactic. The “employer” tells you the offer is valid only if you process your documents through a specific travel agency they recommend.
- The Scam: The agency (which is actually the scammer) asks for a “refundable” deposit to book your flight and hotel.
- The Reality: Real companies have their own internal PRO (Public Relations Officer) teams or established global relocation partners. They never force you to use a specific, unknown travel agent.
5. The Offer Letter Looks “Too Official” (Fake Stamps/Logos)
Scammers love using many government logos, “Golden Seals,” and signatures from high-ranking officials to intimidate you.
- The Scam: The letter is covered in UAE Ministry of Interior, MOHRE, and Dubai Police logos all on one page.
- The Reality: A real private sector offer letter is simple. It is a corporate document on company letterhead. Once you agree, you receive a Standard Employment Contract from MOHRE, which has a specific Barcode and Transaction Number.
How to Verify Your Offer in 60 Seconds
In 2026, the UAE government provides a direct way to check your offer’s validity:
- The MOHRE Inquiry: Visit the official MOHRE website or download the MOHRE app.
- Contract Status: Use the “Inquiry” service to enter your Passport Number or Transaction Number from the offer letter.
- The Result: If the system says “No record found,” the offer is fake.
Conclusion
Scammers prey on hope. They know you want a better life in Dubai, and they use that dream against you. Remember: A real employer in Dubai will never ask you for money. If they do, block the number and report the profile.
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Next Step for You
Have you received an offer letter that looks suspicious? I can help you analyze the text for common scam phrases, or I can provide the direct link to the official UAE government verification portal. Which do you need?