Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have closed 230 social media accounts in a major operation against fraudulent job advertisements that deceived victims with false promises of employment and collected money for non-existent opportunities.
The misleading posts, often promoted with phrases such as “excellent job opportunities in Dubai,” were widely circulated online and primarily targeted overseas applicants as well as residents searching for work. Victims were instructed to pay so-called processing, visa, or recruitment fees that were later found to be illegitimate.
Officials confirmed that the accounts were operating without the required government licences and were unlawfully promoting recruitment services. Advertising employment opportunities without proper authorisation constitutes a criminal offence under UAE law.
Those responsible for publishing fake job listings face penalties ranging from 20,000 dirhams to 100,000 dirhams, equivalent to approximately $5,400 to $27,000, in addition to potential prison sentences of up to six months.
Authorities urged jobseekers to confirm vacancies through official platforms and licensed recruitment agencies, and warned against sending money in response to online job offers.
The action is part of wider efforts to tackle online fraud, safeguard workers, and protect the integrity of the country’s labour market from abuse and misinformation.
