Pakistani nationals aspiring to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been strongly warned to exercise heightened vigilance in light of a significant rise in online job scams targeting foreign job seekers.
In a fresh advisory, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated, “Pakistani citizens are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when responding to online job advertisements, offered outside the UAE.” The mission further warned that “several individuals have recently fallen victim to fraudulent employment schemes abroad, resulting in serious complications.”
The embassy emphasised the importance of verification, stating, “Always verify job offers outside UAE through official and trusted sources.” This announcement comes amid growing reports of job seekers being lured with fake offers, only to encounter legal and financial trouble.
The advisory strongly encourages candidates to authenticate job offers before proceeding. Employment letters from UAE-based firms should be verified through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) portal using their serial or transaction number.
Pakistani citizens may also consult the official UAE website (u.ae), the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, or the Consulate General in Dubai for cross-checking employer details.
Before departing for work in the UAE, applicants must validate their visa status. Dubai-issued visas can be checked through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) site, while visas from other emirates – like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah – should be confirmed through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) portal.
Job seekers must not accept work while on a tourist or visit visa. Engaging in unregistered online jobs or posting unauthorised advertisements may be treated as illegal activity, including fraud or money laundering.
Once employed, Pakistanis should ensure they are enrolled in the UAE’s unemployment insurance scheme (ILOE) and obtain life and medical insurance coverage in both countries.