No. In the UAE, job seekers should not pay recruitment agencies. Recruitment costs are paid by the employer, and an agency that asks a candidate for money is a warning sign.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For questions about a specific situation, contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or a qualified legal adviser.
What UAE labour law says
The UAE labour law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, states that employers may not charge workers recruitment or employment fees, whether directly or indirectly. The cost of hiring sits with the employer.
Common warning signs
Be careful if anyone offering you a job in the UAE:
- asks for a "registration", "processing" or "visa" fee before you start
- asks you to pay for a job offer or an interview
- contacts you from a personal email address and cannot show a company licence
- offers a salary that seems far too high for the role
- pressures you to pay or decide quickly
How to check a job offer
- Ask for the full company name and licence details, and check the company exists.
- Do not pay money to receive a job offer.
- Check official guidance from MOHRE and the UAE government portal u.ae.
How NextGen HR works
NextGen HR never charges candidates a fee. We are paid by the employers we recruit for, and the companies we work with hire their new team members directly.
Looking for your next role? Email your CV to info@nextgenhr.ae, or read how we work with candidates.