How NOT to find a job in Dubai

I frequently receive calls and messages from friends and acquaintances seeking help to find a job in Dubai. I often direct them to reputable job portals where they can submit their CVs and apply for available positions. However, these portals mostly feature professional roles, making it challenging to compete with highly qualified candidates from around the world, including Europeans, who are drawn to Dubai for its zero income tax and higher salaries compared to other developed cities. Despite the relatively high living expenses, residents enjoy a superior quality of life that is nearly unparalleled globally.

While Dubai’s lavish lifestyle and luxury are well-known, many people suffer due to misinformation and false narratives about the realities on the ground. I recently watched a video by a fellow Nigerian attempting to secure a job as a security officer in Dubai. He was one of hundreds vying for just 30 positions. Such scenarios illustrate the unreasonable expectations some job seekers have, making it difficult for them to succeed with this approach.

I know of one case of extreme luck where a Nigerian man, nearly hit by a car while wandering in the heat and hunger, was helped by the driver, a kind manager at a small real estate company, who eventually gave him a job. This kind of luck is rare.

Misinformation from self-proclaimed agents often lures job seekers with false promises of immediate employment upon arrival in Dubai. These agents scam them by charging exorbitant fees, leading many to sell their properties to pay for short-term visas. Upon arrival, these job seekers find no job waiting for them and are left to search for work in the scorching Dubai heat, with resumes in hand.

Coming to Dubai without securing a legitimate job first can lead to severe problems. Many job seekers fail to plan ahead, resulting in situations where they have no place to sleep or food to eat. Some receive temporary shelter from others in overcrowded rooms, but overstaying their visas leads to accumulating fines, making it impossible to exit the country or change visa status, even if they find employment. This often results in playing hide-and-seek with the police, eventual arrest, and deportation. In some cases, individuals turn themselves in to the authorities to secure food and shelter in jail.

For those considering coming to Dubai to seek employment, careful planning is essential. Ensure you have enough cash to cover accommodation, transport, and food, and leave the country before your visa expires. Some opt to travel to neighboring countries to apply for a new visa, but it is more practical to return to your home country, refresh, learn new skills, and apply for jobs through genuine job portals. The best option is to secure a job before traveling to Dubai. This approach ensures benefits like a return air ticket and, in some cases, accommodation, allowing you to save money and enjoy a smoother transition.