UAE jobseekers left empty-handed after working on visit visas, offer letters

Khaleej Times

10 hours ago

Jobseekers arriving in the UAE are being warned not to begin working while still on visit visas, even if they've received job offers. The caution comes amid cases of jobseekers starting work based on offer letters, lured by the promise of a permanent employment visa, only to be later left in legal and financial limbo.
With no formal contracts and permanent jobs, they are leaving the country empty-handed.
Experts have said that it is unlawful to have an employee to work on a visit visa. 'It's illegal to hire or allow anyone to work on a visit visa,' said Dina Subhi Al Obaidi, a UAE-based recruiter and founder of Chronicle L.L.C FZ. 'Employers must obtain labour approval and issue valid work permits before an employee begins any job duties.'
According to Al Obaidi, many job seekers, particularly those on visit visas or new to the UAE, often lack clarity on hiring processes. 'Candidates are sometimes left unsupported or misled. Awareness is key to protection,' she said.
40 days of work, then no employment
Akram (name changed), a sales executive, received a job offer from a lighting and home decor company in Abu Dhabi. The employer told him to return to India as his visa was expiring and re-enter the UAE on a new visit visa to start the employment visa process.
Akram spent over Dh2,500, flew home, and returned to the UAE on April 22.
He started work the next day and worked for about 40 days while waiting for his employment visa. The company assured him the process would be complete by early June.
On June 2, Akram was told they would not continue with his hiring. With his visit visa nearing expiry, he may have to return home without a job.
Leaves UAE after 55 days
Yasir, 29, a marketing graduate, found a job at an event management firm through a job portal. He received an offer letter and was told the visa application was in process. He joined in January and worked for nearly two months.
Each time he asked about the visa, he was told it was pending. In early March, the company cited budget constraints and dropped the hiring plan. Yasir was given no official termination and received half of the promised pay.
With his visit visa nearly expired and no legal status, Yasir had to leave the country on March 6.
What does the law say?
UAE labour and immigration laws prohibit working on a visit visa. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 require a valid work permit and residency visa before starting work.
Hiring someone without these documents is illegal. Under Article 60(1)(a) of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, employers can face fines from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for violations.
Red flags
Al Obaidi said that the common red flags include being asked to pay for a job or visa, starting work before a legal employment visa is issued, receiving only verbal offers, and changes in job terms mid-process. 'These are unacceptable and unethical practices,' Dina added.
She highlighted the employer's role in upholding both legal and moral standards. 'Ethical hiring includes issuing a formal offer letter, completing the visa process before onboarding, and being transparent about salary and responsibilities,' she said. 'We must support candidates who are new but show potential.'
Al Obaidi said that the right process is to issue a formal offer, begin the visa application, and only allow work once the visa is stamped. 'Taking shortcuts risks legal and reputational damage.'
Beyond legality, unethical hiring impacts mental and emotional well-being. 'Behind every CV is a person who may have left home in search of a future,' said Al Obaidi. 'False promises can lead to anxiety, debt, and isolation. But when done right, hiring instills hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging.'
Emotional toll of false job promises
Dr Amir Javaid, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, said that false job promises can cause emotional instability, anger, and irritability, especially when individuals are in a foreign country with limited support. 'This is due to betrayal, insecurity, and the shattering of their hopes and dreams,' he said.
He explained that such experiences could lead to long-term psychological consequences, including 'depression, anxiety, low confidence, and post-traumatic stress disorder.' In some cases, people may require psychiatric treatment to cope with the emotional aftermath.
Dr Javaid urged job seekers to look out for signs of trauma, such as mood changes, irritability, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation after such experiences.
From an employer's perspective, Dr Javaid stressed the importance of responsibility and transparency. 'Companies must avoid false promises, offer notice, provide alternative roles, and ensure employees' psychological safety through empathetic communication and support from occupational health teams.'