Experts in the UAE have warned against misleading freelance visa advertisements on social media, saying applicants could face financial losses, corporate debts and the risk of identity document misuse.

A 55-year-old Dubai resident who had difficulty renewing his employment visa because of his age came across an offer for a two-year freelance visa for AED7,000. He received his visa and Emirates ID within a week, but two years later, when renewing his residency, discovered that he had been registered as a partner in a company he knew nothing about rather than being issued a freelance visa.

Firoz Khan, CEO of Arabian Business Centre, said the company had been blacklisted and its other partners had absconded. As a result, the man was held liable for the company’s outstanding fines and debts.

Naushad Hussain, CEO of Al Hind Business Centre, also warned that some agents on social media advertise visas for monthly payments of AED1,000. He said unusually low prices should be a red flag for applicants.

He also stressed that sending copies of passports, visas and Emirates IDs to unknown individuals could expose personal documents to misuse.

In another case, a person who entered the UAE on a visit visa said on social media that he lost AED8,000 after paying an agent to obtain a freelance visa.

The report also cited the arrest of a well-known singer in Dubai in September 2026 on suspicion of promoting fraudulent freelance visas in exchange for money.

Salam Pappinisseri, CEO of YAB Legal Services, said victims may be able to recover their money in some cases, depending on the payment method, how quickly the fraud is reported and the status of the fund transfer.

He advised victims to immediately contact the relevant bank or financial institution and report the matter to police. In Dubai, suspicious cases can be reported through the eCrime platform, the Dubai Police app or the non-emergency number 901. In Abu Dhabi, reports can be submitted through the Aman service.

Experts stressed that legitimate freelance visas are issued through certain UAE free zones and come with a freelance permit. According to Firoz Khan, the visa is valid for two years, but the freelance permit must be renewed annually, with fees and document requirements varying by free zone.