Scammers send fake UAE visas, fake fines and fake job offers. Use these 3 official government websites to check the truth before you pay anyone.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Moving to the UAE? Already living there? Then you need to know about visa scams.
Fraud is common. Scammers send fake visas. They send fake fine notices. They send fake job offers. Then they ask for money.
The good news is simple. You can check the truth yourself, for free, on official government websites.
Here are the three you should save today. For more safe travel and work guides, visit Immigration Cafe.
Which Website Should You Use? A Quick Guide
Start here. It saves time.
- Visa issued in Dubai? Use GDRFA Dubai.
- Visa issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah? Use ICP.
- Job offer? Use MoHRE.
Not sure which emirate issued your visa? Try ICP first. If you find nothing, try GDRFA.
1. ICP Smart Services: Check Your Visa and Residency
What it is: The official portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Most people call it ICP.
Website: ICP Smart Services
What it helps with: Checking if a UAE visa or entry permit is real.
How to use it:
- Open the ICP Smart Services website.
- Go to Public Services.
- Click File Validity.
- Choose how to search. You can use your file number or your passport details.
- Enter your details and check the result.
You do not need to log in for this check. It is free.
If your visa is real, you will see it in the system. If nothing shows up, do not panic. First check that your details are correct. Then check if it is a Dubai visa. If it still is not there, be careful. Ask the person who sent it to explain.
Need help? You can call the ICP contact centre on 600522222.
2. GDRFA Dubai: Check Dubai Visas and Fines
What it is: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
Website: GDRFA Dubai
What it helps with: Checking visas issued in Dubai. It also helps you check your immigration status.
How to use it:
- Open the GDRFA website.
- Click Visa Status on the home page.
- Enter your file number, nationality, date of birth and first name.
- Check the result.
A word about fake fines
Scammers love this trick. They message you and say you owe a big overstay fine. They say there is a legal notice. They tell you to pay now or face trouble.
Do not pay. Not yet.
Check first. You can look up your own status on the official site. If you really have a fine, it will show there. If it does not show, the message is probably a scam.
You can also check visa fines through the ICP website. The systems are linked, so Dubai-issued visas can show up there too.
3. MoHRE: Check Your Job Offer
What it is: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It handles work permits and job contracts in the UAE.
Website: MoHRE
What it helps with: Checking if a job offer is real before you accept it or pay anything.
How to use it:
- Open the MoHRE website.
- Go to Services.
- Choose New Enquiry Services, then Enquiry for Job Offer.
- Enter the transaction number and the company number from your offer letter.
- Check the result.
If the offer is real, the approved letter will show up in the system. If the offer was never registered, it will not be there.
What a real offer letter looks like
A real offer letter from MoHRE should include:
- Your job title
- The company number
- The type of contract
- A transaction number or barcode
- Your start date
- Notice period and other terms
If your letter is just a plain PDF with no number, that is a red flag.
Two extra checks
- Check the company. You can look it up on the National Economic Register at growth.gov.ae. If the company is not registered, walk away.
- Ask the embassy. You can also verify the offer at the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.
Need help? You can contact MoHRE on +971 6 802 7666 or at ask@mohre.gov.ae.
One Rule That Beats Them All
In the UAE, the employer pays the recruitment costs. Not you.
So if a “recruiter” asks you for money to get you a job or a visa, stop. That alone tells you something is wrong.
Common Scam Warning Signs
Be careful if someone:
- Asks for money before you have a verified offer
- Sends a visa copy only as a picture
- Pushes you to pay fast
- Only talks to you on WhatsApp
- Asks you to pay into a personal account
- Sends a fine notice with threats
- Will not let you verify anything yourself
What to Do If You Think It Is a Scam
- Stop talking to them. Do not send money.
- Save the proof. Keep messages, numbers and receipts.
- Report it. In Dubai, you can report online scams through the Dubai Police eCrime platform at ecrimehub.gov.ae.
- Tell others. Warn your friends and family.
Quick Summary
| Need | Website |
|---|---|
| Check a visa (not Dubai) | ICP Smart Services |
| Check a Dubai visa or fine | GDRFA Dubai |
| Check a job offer | MoHRE |
Final Tip
Always check documents yourself on the official government website. Do not trust agents or random links. A real document will always pass a real check.
Take two minutes to verify. It can save you thousands.
Please share this with a friend or family member who plans to move to the UAE. You might protect them from a scam.
Want more simple guides like this? Visit Immigration Cafe for the latest posts.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Government websites, services and rules can change. Always type the official web address yourself and confirm details with the relevant UAE authority.