Dubai arrest over fake freelance visa scheme targeting job seekers
A man with an arts and entertainment background has been arrested in Dubai for selling fraudulent freelance visas. GDRFA Dubai and Dubai Police jointly led the investigation.
Dubai man arrested for selling counterfeit freelance visas to job seekers
A man previously active in the arts and entertainment scene in his home country has been arrested in Dubai for allegedly marketing fraudulent freelance visas in exchange for money, Google News UAE — Dubai reports, citing a statement issued by authorities on Thursday.
The arrest was conducted by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) in cooperation with Dubai Police, as part of a broader push to investigate illegal practices tied to visas and residency documents.
How the investigation unfolded
GDRFA Dubai said the case was triggered after authorities detected a fraudulent document in the possession of an individual. Subsequent verification and investigation revealed the circumstances behind the document and led officials to others allegedly involved in issuing and distributing it.
Major General Dr Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, confirmed that the arrested man had been promoting counterfeit freelance visas to people seeking employment opportunities and a better life in the UAE.
Al Zaabi said authorities traced the case from the holder of the fraudulent document back to those allegedly responsible for issuing and marketing it, and that legal action has been taken against those involved.
He warned that individuals and entities may exploit people's desire to enter the UAE, secure employment, or regularise residency status by making promises that fall outside official procedures — particularly through digital platforms.
Warning over social media offers
GDRFA Dubai stated it is actively monitoring advertisements and offers circulating on digital platforms relating to work visas and residency permits made available in exchange for payment outside authorised channels.
Such offers, the authority noted, may be promoted under the names of unauthorised entities or offices, or through social media accounts, and are sometimes presented in a manner that implies an association with official government bodies.
Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and Residency Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said all visa and residency transactions should be completed exclusively through official authorities and licensed, authorised service offices.
Al Ghaith stressed the need to verify the source of any visa or residency offer before providing personal information or making any payment.
Public urged to report suspicious offers
Al Zaabi urged the public not to rely on unverified offers or informal promises, and to cross-check visa and residency information through official authorities before transferring money or sharing personal details.
GDRFA Dubai called on residents and those planning to travel to the UAE to verify services through official channels and to report suspicious offers issued by unauthorised parties.
The authority stated that protecting customers is a shared responsibility, one that depends on clear procedures, access to accurate information, community awareness, and active cooperation in reporting fraudulent practices.
Source: Google News UAE — Dubai