‘Can a recruitment company charge me a job guarantee fee?’

Ask: I was recently fired from my jobso I’m looking for a new one.

I posted on a forum asking about available jobs and a company contacted me and said they could guaranteed to get me a new job. It sounded good until they asked me a fee of 3,000 dirhams ($817) upfront.

When I questioned this, since I thought the employer paid fees, I was said it’s common and gives me priority over other candidates.

This seems like a lot of money as I don’t see how they can guarantee me a job. Should I pay the amount or is it something to be careful with? MF, Dubai

Answer: Any recruitment agency operating in the UAE and ask candidates for a feeno matter what you call it, you are breaking the law.

Companies cannot charge candidates in any way, no matter what they claim the position is for.

I would even go so far as to suggest that in many cases this is little more than a way to scam job seekers.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has stated on numerous occasions that this practice is illegal and over the years has pursued and closed several companies for this type of fraudulent behavior.

Anyone who is aware of companies operating in this illegal manner can report them to the ministry through its toll-free help number, which recently changed to 800 874.

I encourage anyone to report recruiters who ask for money up front because they are taking advantage of people.

Q: I was deported from the UAE in September 2023 due to overstaying my visa.

I did not commit any crime and I want to return to the United Arab Emirates. It’s possible? How can I do that? MS, Nigeria

TO: According to UAE immigration laws, a person can be deported and issued with a travel ban for overstaying a visa.

This happens when someone has overstayed their welcome for a long period of timenot just a few days or weeks.

Article 28 of Law No. 6 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners establishes: “A foreigner who has been deported He will not be able to return to the country except with special permission from the director general of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.”

When this is due to an excessive stay, and not to having committed a criminal offense, it is classified as an administrative reason and can be appeal to have a travel or entry ban overturned.

Typically, a period of time needs to have passed before a request can be made, as the ban is supposed to be a punishment.

One option is to apply through the website of the Ministry of the Interioror the individual may designate an attorney to file a petition on his or her behalf.

There is no set list of requirements, but the person will need to provide a copy of their current passport, explain the circumstances of the ban and why they would like it removed, and demonstrate good character.

This could be proof of regular employment in the home country and a certificate of good conduct from the police, confirming that they have no criminal record in their home country.

The ministry has a committee that reviews petitions to lift the bans.

If a ban relates to the emirate of Dubai, a petition can be made online via the Public ministry.

Q: I’m planning a holiday to Oman because I think it’s easy to do now as a UAE resident.

Are there passport or visa expiration date requirements? KV, Abu Dhabi

TO: The visa requirement has been eased for UAE residents in recent months.

Earlier this year, Oman’s Directorate General of Passports and Residency announced that anyone holding a residence visa in any GCC country can obtain a visa on arrival.

There is no need to pre-application and obtain approval if the visit will be less than 14 days for eligible visa holders.

If a UAE resident plans to stay in Oman for more than 14 days, they can apply for a visit visa through Official eVisa platform of Oman.

To be eligible for visa on arrival, all UAE residents must have a passport valid for at least six months. This is in accordance with standard international law.

Your residence visa must be valid for at least three full months before it expires. However, if a visa expires within three months, the person can still apply for a tourist visa before traveling.

Please note that visa requirements may change, so it is always best to check the situation before embarking on any trip.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial advisor and senior partner at Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 30 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE

The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only.

Updated: October 23, 2023 at 4:00 am