Dubai takes strong action against fake freelance visa sales through social media: Prominent artist arrested
Dubai: Dubai takes strong action against fake freelance visa sales through social media.
The Dubai Department of Residency and Immigration (GDRFA Dubai), in collaboration with Dubai Police, has arrested a singer and social media influencer who was known in his country’s arts and entertainment sector for defrauding job seekers by offering fake freelance visas and receiving money. Authorities said that he charged between 7,000 and 9,000 dirhams from each person in the scam that targeted 40 people.The sale of fake freelance visas was taking advantage of the needs of those trying to get a job and a better life in the UAE. The arrest is part of the GDRFA Dubai’s ongoing surveillance and investigation against illegal activities related to visas and residence permits.The case began when a person was found in possession of a fake document. The subsequent inspection and investigation revealed the source of the fake document and those behind it. The investigation also extended to those who prepared and disseminated the fake document. Authorities announced that legal action has been taken against those involved. The head of GDRFA Dubai, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, said that further steps are being taken regarding the activities of the person arrested in the case and that the investigation is in progress.
The roots of fraud in one’s own country
The head of GDRFA, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, clarified that such visa frauds often begin in the home country of the person involved before they arrive in the UAE. He also said that interactions between the fraudsters and the victims often take place before they arrive in the UAE.GDRFA Dubai has strengthened electronic and field surveillance systems to detect individuals and institutions that make false promises regarding visas, visits and residence. Major General Dr. Ali bin Ajeef Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said that action is being taken against such illegal activities in coordination with relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police.
AI system to detect violators
Al Marri also announced that GDRFA Dubai has completed a new technology project based on artificial intelligence to detect those who violate the residence and visitation rules. This system, which is currently in the testing phase, can help identify violators and verify whether their stay in the UAE is legal without detaining or directly intervening with individuals. He added that more details of the project will be announced in the coming days.Al Marri urged those wishing to come to the UAE for work or visits to conduct visa-related transactions only through official government websites and authorized channels.Visa procedures, required documents and approved fees are available on official platforms. He clarified that the approved visa rates are fixed and can be checked by everyone through the official website. At the same time, he pointed out that some offices and companies in some countries that send workers to the UAE and some countries that send visitors are illegally charging double or more than the official rate.
If you notice fake offers, you can report them to 8005111
The GDRFA warned against falling for suspicious offers received through social media or other digital platforms regarding work visas, freelance visas, visit visas and residence permits. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al Marri clarified that if you notice such fraudulent activities, you should report them through the toll-free number 800 5111 and various official digital platforms of the GDRFA.Before accepting any offer regarding a visa or residence permit, you should check its source. The General Directorate also advised that before transferring personal information or paying money, one should ensure that the service is official and authorized. The authorities clarified that the safest way to avoid fraud is to rely only on official channels instead of false promises and social media advertisements.
