Suspect accused of promoting fraudulent freelance visas through TikTok and YouTube.
Dubai: A man formerly known in his home country’s arts and entertainment scene has been arrested in Dubai on suspicion of selling fraudulent freelance visas to people seeking jobs and better opportunities in the UAE.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) carried out the arrest in coordination with Dubai Police after investigating suspected violations involving visas and residency permits.
Authorities said the investigation began when a fraudulent document was found in an individual’s possession. Further checks traced its origins and led investigators to those suspected of issuing and promoting it.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved under the relevant laws.
Authorities caution against fraudulent visa offers
Major General Dr Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, told Gulf News that some individuals and organisations target people seeking work, entry into the UAE or help regularising their residency status. They do so by offering promises unsupported by official procedures or authorised services.
Al Zaabi said such offers are promoted primarily through digital platforms.
He added that GDRFA Dubai teams had taken action against a man previously known in his home country’s arts and entertainment scene who allegedly promoted fraudulent freelance visas in exchange for money.
He said the suspect allegedly took advantage of people seeking jobs and a better life.
Al Zaabi said monitoring and investigations enabled authorities to trace the fraudulent document from its holder to those involved in issuing and promoting it, leading to legal action.
He added that authorities balance law enforcement with humanitarian considerations, seeking to protect people from exploitation and threats to their personal information and money.
Social media visa offers face scrutiny
GDRFA Dubai said it continues to monitor digital platforms for advertisements offering work visas and residency permits for payment outside authorised channels.
These offers may use the names of unlicensed organisations or offices, or appear to be affiliated with official government bodies.
Authorities said some of these offers are also advertised through social media accounts.
Al Zaabi cautioned people against trusting unreliable offers or promises and urged them to verify visa and residency information directly with the relevant authorities.
Check offers before paying or sharing personal information
Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry Permits and Residency Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said the authority remains committed to delivering clear, dependable services through official and authorised channels.
He said the goal is to help customers complete transactions easily and securely while maintaining proper procedures and safeguarding their rights.
Al Ghaith stressed that people should verify the source of any visa or residency offer before providing personal details or making payments.
He added that familiarity with approved procedures helps protect customers and build trust in government services.
GDRFA Dubai guidance for UAE visa applicants
GDRFA Dubai urged residents and prospective visitors to process visa and residency applications through the relevant authorities or licensed, authorised service offices.
People were urged to check visa and residency offers through official channels before providing personal details or making payments.
GDRFA Dubai said safeguarding customers requires shared efforts, including clear procedures, accessible and accurate information, greater public awareness and cooperation in reporting offers from unauthorised entities.
The authority added that these measures help ensure a secure and dependable experience, protect individual rights and enhance quality of life.
The singer admitted to promoting fraudulent visas for around two years through his personal TikTok and YouTube accounts, targeting potential victims among his followers.
He said the visas were sold for between Dh7,000 and Dh9,000 to people with limited financial means who were seeking employment.
He added that the operation had facilitated the procurement of more than 40 fraudulent visas.
He said he only learned upon his arrest that selling freelance work visas in this way was prohibited in the UAE, and expressed deep regret.
Victim paid Dh7,500 for unfulfilled visa and job promises
One victim said he paid Dh7,500 after being promised a visa and employment for his sister.
Despite making the payment, neither the visa nor the job materialised.
The victim said he waited a long time without receiving anything and lost all his money. He added that UAE authorities were now assisting him.
Dh10,000 fine per worker
Counsellor Faisal Ahli, Public Prosecutor at the Dubai Citizenship and Residency Prosecution, said the Public Prosecution investigates suspects before referring cases to court once its inquiries are complete.
Ahli added that obtaining visas through exploitation carries severe penalties.
He said offenders could face a fine of Dh10,000 for every worker issued a visa, along with deportation if the offender is a foreign national.
Establishments may face penalties of up to Dh100,000, with fines rising according to the number of workers involved.
Ahli said the severity of the penalties was intended to deter such offences.
