The receipt (inset) issued to M.P after her job interview in Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

A Filipina jobseeker in Dubai is speaking out after falling victim to a job scam that cost her Dh300, hoping her experience will alert others to similar schemes. In an exclusive interview with Expat Media, M.P. (name withheld), a longtime Dubai resident, shared her ordeal, which she said started with a desperate need for employment. “I was desperate to find a job. I even borrowed that money. My husband is sick, and I need money to help pay the bills,” M.P. told Expat Media. She explained that the ordeal began after responding to an advertisement on Dubizzle for a secretary position. The ad appeared legitimate, promising stable employment with an immediate start. M.P. attended the interview at a human resources consulting company near Salah Al Din Metro Station in Deira. After the interview, conducted by a Filipina representative, M.P. was asked to pay Dh300 for what was described as a "temporary work permit" and a "processing fee." “They said Dh250 was for a temporary work permit, and Dh50 was for processing. Being interviewed by a Filipina made me trust the process,” she added. She was given a “contract” and issued a receipt for her payment. However, shortly after paying the fee, M.P. grew suspicious when the company stopped responding to her calls and WhatsApp messages. “That’s when I realized I had been scammed,” she said. Determined not to let others fall victim, M.P. has reported the incident to Dubai Police and urged fellow jobseekers to remain vigilant. On Friday (November 22), Expat Media attempted to contact the Filipina company representative, who declined to clarify whether she was aware that soliciting fees from jobseekers is illegal in the UAE. Under the country’s labor laws, recruitment agencies and employers are prohibited from charging jobseekers any kind of fee. Speaking to Expat Media, Lt. Wafa Qaid Nasser AlQamesh of Dubai Police advised victims of job scams to report incidents via the Dubai Police app, visit the nearest Smart Police Station (SPS), or call 901. “When calling 901, they can choose CID for more assistance,” AlQamesh advised. Meanwhile, M.P. hopes her story will encourage others to speak out. “I want to raise awareness so that these scammers won’t victimize more helpless jobseekers,” she said. ICA/PIA/Expat Media ALSO READ: How to spot a fake job interview
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