The Philippine community in the UAE is urging caution as scammers target overstaying Filipinos applying for the extended amnesty program. These scammers exploit desperation, making false promises of visas or documents in exchange for money.
What’s Happening?
The UAE’s amnesty program, now extended until December 31, 2024, offers overstayers a chance to legalize their status. However, scammers are taking advantage, luring victims through platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp with fake offers. Volunteers assisting Filipinos revealed red flags that applicants must recognize to avoid being scammed.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No Physical Office: Scammers operate solely online, using fake Facebook posts or untraceable WhatsApp numbers, often with Philippine country codes.
- No Tracking Number: Legitimate visa or document processing always includes a transaction or reference number to track progress online. If none is provided, it’s a scam.
- Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers demand partial payments in stages (e.g., AED 2,000 upfront, then more as the process supposedly continues). By law, employers, not individuals, should cover these costs.
- Cheap Prices & Cash-Only Payments: Promises of low fees or cash-only transactions are major warning signs.
- Hidden Charges: After initial payments, scammers often demand extra fees, claiming unexpected problems in the process.
Stories from Victims
- “No Papers, No Contact”: One victim paid AED 2,000 for a promised visa but received no documents. Attempts to contact the scammer failed.
- “Almost Scammed”: Another overstayer was asked to pay but avoided being duped when the scammer’s system was “down.” The victim later found a legitimate agency.
Key Advice
- Verify the legitimacy of agencies by ensuring they have proper credentials and physical offices.
- Never pay without receiving a tracking number or proof of progress.
- Only trust authorized employers or government-approved services.
- Avoid deals that sound too good to be true—chances are, they are.
While the amnesty extension provides hope, Filipinos must remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to scammers. Stay informed and ensure your path to a new visa or status is through legitimate channels.
