The UAE continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for job seekers across Asia and Africa. A large number of applications from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines in the Gulf region target jobs in the UAE, especially in sectors like accounting, hospitality, and construction.
In addition to this, the UAE remains the top career destination for young professionals in the Arab world. A YouGov survey from 2023 of 1,502 Arab nationals aged 18 to 24 found that 86.6% considered working in the UAE either “somewhat” or “very” appealing.
With its tax-free salaries, liberal lifestyle, and reputation for safety and opportunity, the country continues to attract talent from across the region.
But experts warn that as demand rises, so does the risk of falling prey to fraudulent job offers, especially in high-volume sectors like accounting, hospitality, and construction.
In this environment, verifying a job offer, particularly from small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has become crucial.
What the law says
An offer letter alone is not a legally binding contract. It is a preliminary agreement that outlines the proposed terms of employment. For an offer to become legally enforceable, it must be followed by a formal employment contract that mirrors the offer’s terms.
This contract must be signed by both parties and registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).
Use of standard contracts required
According to Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022, all employers hiring for mainland positions must use the standard contract format approved by Mohre when applying for a work permit. The employment contract may include additional benefits not mentioned in the offer letter, as long as they do not contradict UAE labour laws.
Further, Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022 requires employers to use standard e-forms issued by Mohre for work permits, offer letters, and employment contracts.
How to spot a genuine offer letter
Job seekers can contact Mohre directly to verify whether an offer letter is legitimate. The ministry can confirm whether the employer submitted the offer as part of a work permit application.
A genuine process involves the employer uploading the signed offer letter using Mohre’s e-form template, and a work permit application is submitted along with necessary documents and fees. Once the permit is approved, the employment contract is signed and registered.
If the employer has not started this process, or if no permit has been applied for, the job offer may not be valid under UAE law.
What if the offer is withdrawn?
Mohre is not legally bound to intervene if the employer backs out before the employment contract is signed and the permit is issued.
The candidate may pursue a civil claim through the UAE courts in such cases. Compensation may be awarded if the jobseeker suffered financial loss or other damages due to the withdrawn offer.
Additional support
Job seekers can also approach the UAE embassy or their home country consulates to verify job offers. These diplomatic missions often assist in confirming an employer’s credentials and offer authenticity.
If doubts persist, it is also advisable to seek legal consultation, as this article only compiled information publicly available on the internet. Some law firms or the Mohre helpline may offer further guidance.