Many expatriates arriving in the UAE have been found working without formal contracts or employment visas, leaving them vulnerable to legal and financial troubles. Despite receiving job offers or offer letters, these individuals often start working on visit visas, only to be abandoned by employers and forced to leave the country empty-handed.
Starting Work Without a Legal Visa: A Growing Problem
Jobseekers arriving in the UAE are being warned strongly against beginning work while still on visit visas—even if they have received job offers. According to UAE labour laws, it is unlawful to work without a valid employment visa. Yet, several cases have emerged where expats start working based on job offer letters or verbal promises, hoping to secure a permanent employment visa later. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi, a UAE-based recruiter and founder of Chronicle L.L.C FZ, told Khaleej Times that “It’s illegal to hire or allow anyone to work on a visit visa.” She emphasized that “Employers must obtain labour approval and issue valid work permits before an employee begins any job duties.” Al Obaidi pointed out that many candidates, especially those new to the UAE or on visit visas, “often lack clarity on hiring processes” and are sometimes “left unsupported or misled. Awareness is key to protection.”
Personal Stories: Legal Limbo and Financial Loss
Two individuals’ experiences highlight the risks faced by those working on visit visas without formal contracts.
- Akram (name changed), a sales executive, received a job offer from a lighting and home décor company in Abu Dhabi. He was instructed to return to India as his initial visa was expiring and re-enter the UAE on a new visit visa to begin the employment visa process. Akram spent over Dh2,500 on travel, flew back, and started work the day after arriving on April 22, 2025.
He worked for approximately 40 days, during which the company promised his employment visa would be completed by early June. However, on June 2, Akram was informed that the company would not continue with his hiring. With his visit visa nearing expiry and no legal work permit, Akram faced the prospect of returning home without a job.
- Yasir, 29, a marketing graduate, found a job at an event management firm via a job portal. He received an offer letter and was told his visa application was underway. Yasir started working in January 2025 and stayed nearly two months. Each time he inquired about the visa, he was told it was pending. In early March, citing budget constraints, the company canceled his hiring plan without issuing an official termination letter and paid him only half the promised salary.
With his visit visa expiring, Yasir had no legal status in the UAE and was forced to leave the country on March 6, 2025.
Legal Framework: Work Permits and Residency Visas Are Mandatory
Under UAE law, working on a visit visa is prohibited. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 require employees to have a valid work permit and residency visa before beginning any job. Employers who violate these regulations face heavy penalties. According to Article 60(1)(a) of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for hiring without proper documentation. Dina Subhi Al Obaidi highlighted common red flags that candidates should watch for, including:
- Being asked to pay for jobs or visas
- Starting work before receiving a legal employment visa
- Receiving only verbal job offers
- Changes in job terms mid-process
“These are unacceptable and unethical practices,” she said. She added that ethical hiring involves “issuing a formal offer letter, completing the visa process before onboarding, and being transparent about salary and responsibilities.” Employers have a responsibility “to support candidates who are new but show potential.”
Emotional and Psychological Impact of False Promises
Beyond the legal implications, the human cost of unethical hiring practices is deeply significant. Dr Amir Javaid, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the emotional toll these false job promises take on individuals. He explained that such experiences often lead to “emotional instability, anger, and irritability,” especially for expatriates who find themselves isolated and vulnerable in a foreign country. “Behind every CV is a person who may have left home in search of a future,” Dr Javaid told Khaleej Times. “When their hopes are shattered by broken promises, it causes profound feelings of betrayal and insecurity.” This emotional upheaval can result in long-term psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some affected individuals may require professional psychiatric care to cope and recover. Dr Javaid urged jobseekers to remain vigilant for signs of trauma following such experiences. Symptoms might include mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and a noticeable lack of motivation. From an employer’s perspective, Dr Javaid emphasized the critical role of responsibility and transparency. “Companies must avoid making false promises, provide clear and timely notice when changes occur, offer alternative roles where possible, and prioritize the psychological safety of their employees.” He further recommended that organisations foster empathetic communication and engage occupational health teams to support employees’ mental well-being.
