How to spot a fake Gulf job offer

The warning signs of a fake Gulf job, how to check an agent, and what to do if someone asks you for money.

Most Gulf jobs are genuine — but every year many Indian workers lose money to fake agents and false offers. These checks take a few minutes and can save you lakhs of rupees.

Warning signs

  • You are asked to pay for the job offer, the interview, or to “reserve” a visa.
  • The fee is more than the legal limit, or paid in cash without a receipt.
  • The agent cannot show an MEA Recruiting Agent licence number — or the number does not match their name on eMigrate.
  • You are asked to travel on a visit or tourist visa and “convert it to a work visa later”.
  • The salary is far higher than normal for the job, or the offer came without any interview.
  • There is no written employment contract, or it is not in a language you understand.
  • Communication is only by WhatsApp, from a personal number, with pressure to “pay today or lose the job”.

What a registered agent may legally charge

Under India’s Emigration Rules, a registered Recruiting Agent may charge a worker a service fee of no more than ₹30,000 plus GST, and must give a receipt. Anyone asking for more, or asking for money without a receipt, is breaking the rules.

How to check an agent

  1. Ask for the agent’s RA licence number (it looks like B-0000/MUM/PER/1000+/5/0000/2020).
  2. Check it on the Government of India’s eMigrate portal. Make sure the name, address and licence status match, and that the licence is active.
  3. Visit the agent’s registered office in person if you can. Be careful with “sub-agents” who are not on the licence.

Before you travel

  • Get your offer letter and employment contract in writing, and keep copies.
  • Travel only on an employment visa. If your passport is ECR, you also need emigration clearance — see our ECR vs ECNR guide.
  • Share your employer’s name, address and contract with your family.

If you have been cheated

Complain on the eMigrate portal and to the Protector of Emigrants (PoE) office for your area, and file a police complaint. If you are already abroad, contact the Indian embassy or consulate. You can also report the job to us so we can warn others.

General information, not legal advice. Check official sources for the latest rules.

Scroll to Top