Dubai authorities are sounding the alarm over a fresh wave of fraudulent ‘freelance-visa’ offers that have ensnared UAE residents desperate to regularise their status or remain in the country after leaving salaried jobs. According to an investigation published by *Khaleej Times* on October 18, scammers are advertising two-year “freelance visas” for as little as Dh1,000 a month on Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. Victims are lured with promises of a quick Emirates ID and the right to work independently, only to discover later that the visa issued is in fact a business-partner or investor visa linked to a shell company. When those companies are later black-listed, the visa-holders become legally liable for outstanding fines and can face immigration bans. One 55-year-old Dubai resident quoted in the report learned of more than Dh50,000 in fines only when he tried to renew his visa two years later. Firose Khan, CEO of Arabian Business Centre, explained that **legitimate** freelance visas are available only through a limited number of free-zones—such as Dubai Media City, twofour54 and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone—each of which issues both a freelance licence and a residence permit. The total cost typically exceeds Dh7,000 in the first year, a fact authorities say should alert applicants to rock-bottom online offers. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) and Dubai Police have intensified joint investigations after a well-known singer was arrested last month for promoting bogus visas. Officials urge residents to apply only through recognised free-zone portals or the *ICP Smart Services* platform, and to hand documents over **only** at authorised customer-happiness or Amer centres. Lawyers also laid out a damage-control checklist for victims: 1) immediately request a payment recall or charge-back from banks or exchange houses; 2) obtain a police or e-Crime report number; 3) freeze the recipient account where possible; and 4) lodge parallel complaints in any foreign jurisdiction if the funds were remitted overseas. For employers and global-mobility managers, the surge in visa fraud is a reminder to audit third-party agents and educate staff on proper application channels. Multinationals that rely on contractors in the UAE should verify that freelance licences and residence stamps were issued by a free-zone, not a private company, or risk penalties for hiring individuals on irregular status. As the UAE continues to expand legal pathways such as the Green Visa and 10-year Golden Visa, regulators are equally determined to stamp out the parallel underground market that feeds on ambiguity and misinformation.
Source: Khaleej Times
