IT recruitment agencies in Dubai

Dubai is safe to live in, but job seekers are a favourite target for scammers. These are the signs the UAE labour ministry and Dubai Police give. More on safety in Dubai

• They ask you to pay

  For an interview, a job offer, a visa or work permit, training or a "placement". In the UAE the employer pays for recruitment and your visa; a licensed agency is paid by the employer, never by you.

  UAE labour law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), 20 September 2021; Gulf News (MOHRE), 8 August

• They sell you a guaranteed job

  Paid coaching, CV writing or "career packages" sold with a promise of a job or a visa. A service is not a job offer, and no one can guarantee you a UAE visa for a fee. We don't list recruiters that sell these to job seekers.

  UAE labour law, 20 September 2021

• The offer isn't on MOHRE's form

  A genuine UAE job offer uses the labour ministry's approved form, with a serial number and barcode. Check it on the MOHRE website or app, or call the ministry, before you resign, pay anything or share documents.

  Gulf News (MOHRE), 8 August; Khaleej Times (MOHRE), 8 August

• Too good and too fast

  A salary well above the market, hiring "immediately" or a process that skips interviews. Compare the pay with our salary pages.

  Khaleej Times (MOHRE), 8 August

• Only on WhatsApp, Telegram or social media

  Scammers use messaging apps and social media, the names of unlicensed companies, or pose as government bodies. Apply on the company's own careers page and do visa steps only through official channels.

  The National (Dubai Police), 25 August; Khaleej Times (MOHRE), 8 August

• They want your bank details

  Or ask you to open a bank account or "activate" one for them. In fake part-time job scams, victims' accounts were used to move stolen money.

  Khaleej Times (Dubai Police), 8 August