Pakistani citizens aiming to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been urged to remain cautious amid a surge in fake online job offers targeting foreign workers.
In a new advisory, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi stressed the importance of vigilance, stating:
“Pakistani nationals are strongly advised to be extremely careful when responding to online job advertisements, especially those originating outside the UAE.”
The warning follows a growing number of reports involving individuals who fell prey to fraudulent job schemes, which led to serious legal and financial consequences.
Verification is Key
The embassy emphasized the need for thorough verification of employment offers.
“Always cross-check job offers made outside the UAE through reliable and official sources,” the embassy advised.
Applicants are encouraged to confirm employment letters from UAE-based companies using the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) portal, where job offer serial or transaction numbers can be used to validate authenticity.
Where to Verify and Seek Help
Job seekers can also consult:
- The official UAE government website: www.u.ae
- The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi
- The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai
For visa verification:
- Dubai-issued visas: Check through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website
- Visas from other emirates: Verify via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) portal
Legal and Safety Precautions
The advisory firmly states that working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and that individuals involved in unauthorized online employment or unverified job postings may face criminal charges, including allegations of fraud or money laundering.
Once employed, Pakistani workers are advised to:
- Enroll in the UAE’s Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance program
- Secure life and medical insurance coverage both in Pakistan and the UAE
This alert comes as part of a broader effort to protect overseas Pakistanis from falling victim to deceptive employment offers and to ensure legal compliance and safety in their migration process.
