Y-Axis warns of rising online immigration scams and how to stay safe
Digital scams target hopeful migrants with fake promises
As global migration surges post-pandemic, more residents from the Middle East are seeking new beginnings in Europe, Canada, and Australia. But alongside this trend, digital scam networks and unlicensed immigration agents have evolved — transitioning from physical offices to WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media channels. In a few taps, hopeful migrants can be enticed with fake “dream jobs,” fast-tracked visas, or even bogus “embassy approvals.” The costs — financial and emotional — are often devastating, impacting fresh graduates, low-income workers, and white-collar professionals alike.
We sat down with Clint Khan, Director of Y‑Axis Middle East and with over two decades in the immigration industry, who offers a unique perspective: "As someone who has spent over two decades in the immigration industry, I have witnessed how dramatically the landscape has changed and how the tactics of scammers have evolved to exploit the dreams and vulnerabilities of genuine migrants."
"At Y-Axis, we are privileged to be the world’s largest immigration and visa company, with over 50 offices globally and more than 120,000 professionals consulting with us every month. This vantage point gives us unique insight into global trends, emerging scam tactics, and how best to protect individuals pursuing migration opportunities. "
In this exclusive Q&A, Khan explains how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.
How have immigration scams evolved over the last few years, particularly in the UAE?
A decade ago, the typical immigration scam in the UAE often involved physical offices charging clients for a visa or immigration application but doing little beyond submitting a basic, sometimes incomplete application, with no genuine follow-up or strategic planning for the client’s case.
While that still happens, the scams have evolved. Today, many operators promise “guaranteed visas” or “guaranteed jobs,” which is categorically unethical and impossible. No immigration consultant or company anywhere in the world has the power to guarantee a visa approval or secure employment, because these decisions lie solely with government authorities and employers.
Unfortunately, corrupt operators exploit people’s desperation, especially after the pandemic, when many individuals lost jobs or wish to migrate for stability. They prey on emotional vulnerability and urgency, offering false hope in exchange for large upfront payments.
Are scammers shifting away from traditional offices to digital-only operations? What trends are you seeing?
Absolutely. There has been a significant shift from brick-and-mortar scams to digital scams operating entirely online.
Scammers now operate through WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Instagram ads, and fake websites.
They use digital marketing techniques to look legitimate, posting sponsored social media ads with official-looking seals, embassy logos, or testimonials (often fake).
Many adopt identities as “immigration lawyers” or “licensed consultants,” when in reality, they have no regulatory credentials.
In the UAE, physical offices still hold weight for many clients, and people often trust a visible presence. However, even physical offices can be a façade if not tied to regulated professionals. Many unlicensed agents open offices simply as showrooms to collect money before shutting down overnight.
A worrying trend is scammers blending both worlds, maintaining a small office to seem legitimate while aggressively operating online to attract broader victims, even from other countries.
Which demographic is most vulnerable — and why?
In my experience, the most vulnerable groups are:
Low-income or semi-skilled workers who have lost their jobs and fear returning to their home countries. Their desperation makes them easy targets for promises of quick visas or jobs. I recently came across a scam about a company selling trucking jobs in Canada and Jobs in Luxembourg.
Fresh graduates and young professionals are eager for overseas opportunities but lack knowledge of genuine processes.
Mid-level professionals who feel stuck in career plateaus and are seduced by quick migration solutions.
Scammers exploit emotion — fear of deportation, family pressure, financial insecurity, or the allure of a better life. Sadly, the pandemic’s economic impact has left more people in vulnerable positions, which scammers ruthlessly capitalize on.
What are the red flags emerging today beyond the usual “verbal promises” and “upfront payments”?
Several red flags are now common — and people must watch for them:
Job guarantees: No consultant can legally promise a job abroad unless they are a licensed recruitment agency or the employer themselves.
Visa guarantees: Visa outcomes are the consulate and Embassy decisions. Anyone promising a guaranteed visa is misleading you and is the biggest red flag.
Pressure tactics: Scammers often push clients to “book the slot now” or pay urgently “before rules change.” Genuine consultants don’t use fear to force decisions.
Ambiguous contracts: Agreements written in complex legal jargon or vague service terms are a scammer’s tool to avoid accountability.
Fake credentials: Scammers often claim to be “registered” without proving it. Always demand regulatory numbers and independently verify them on official regulator websites.
Lack of written communication: Reputable firms provide written advice, receipts, and service breakdowns. Scammers often avoid leaving a paper trail.
What are some of the most common lies or half-truths you see being told?
The two biggest lies we see:
“Guaranteed job offers”: Even employers overseas cannot legally guarantee a job until recruitment processes and approvals (e.g., LMIA in Canada, sponsorship in the UK) are completed.
“Guaranteed visa approvals in a specific time”: No consultant controls the outcome or speed of a visa decision. Processing times vary and depend on factors outside anyone’s control, such as background checks or quotas.
Another frequent half-truth is implying that simply hiring a consultant “guarantees success.” A reputable consultant can prepare the strongest possible application but cannot promise the outcome.
Once someone has been scammed, is there any way to recover their money or file complaints? What legal recourse do they have?
While recovering funds is challenging, victims do have options:
Review the agreement: Many scam contracts intentionally obscure deliverables or refunds. Share it with a legal professional or a licensed immigration consultant for interpretation.
Check regulatory bodies: For instance:
Canada: College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Australia: MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority)
UK: OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner)
These bodies can investigate licensed consultants’ misconduct.
File a complaint: UAE authorities take fraud seriously, especially where money has changed hands under false pretenses.
Approach consumer protection: The UAE has consumer rights channels for financial disputes.
At Y-Axis, we often advise individuals free of charge to review contracts they have signed elsewhere, helping them assess whether they have been misled and guiding them on possible legal steps.
What standards should people demand from any migration advisor —regardless of where they operate?
Every client should demand:
Regulation and licensing: Insist on proof that your consultant is licensed by a recognized regulatory body in the country you’re applying to.
Transparency: You deserve written communication, clear contracts, and receipts for all payments.
No guarantees of outcomes: A genuine consultant never guarantees visa success or jobs—they commit to ethical representation and diligent work.
Documentation and records: Reputable firms maintain records for several years and provide clients with copies of submissions and correspondence.
Privacy and integrity: A trusted consultant protects client data and operates with confidentiality and professionalism.
If someone is applying for a study visa or PR for the first time, what three questions must they ask their consultant?
Here are the three critical questions:
Are you a registered or regulated consultant — and can you show me proof? Demand the license number and independently verify it.
Are your calls and emails documented and recorded? Transparency protects both the client and the consultant.
Can you give me a written evaluation of my eligibility before I pay full fees? This ensures the consultant genuinely assesses your profile instead of simply chasing your money.
How important is it that applicants only deal with firms backed by licensed lawyers or RCICs/MARA/OISC agents?
It’s absolutely critical.
Only regulated professionals are bound by strict codes of conduct. They face penalties, suspension, or loss of license for misconduct.
Regulated consultants stay updated on evolving laws, ensuring clients receive accurate guidance.
Many firms in the UAE claim “affiliations” with overseas lawyers but these are often just partnerships with no legal authority. Avoid any company without an in-house regulated professional or an office in the country of application.
Your future is too important to entrust to an unregulated operator.
What’s your message to those who believe “fast and cheap” is the way to migrate abroad?
My message is simple: There is no fast and cheap route in immigration.
Think of immigration consultants as you would do for lawyers. You wouldn’t expect a lawyer to guarantee you’d win a court case or to do it for free. Immigration works the same way.
Consulates and Embassies make the final decisions, not consultants.
Cheap services often mean corners are cut, leading to incomplete applications, refusals, or bans.
Fast-track promises are a hallmark of scams.
Invest in ethical, regulated professionals who are transparent, experienced, and committed to your success even if it takes longer or costs more. Migration is a life-changing decision and deserves serious, professional handling.
At Y-Axis, our mission goes beyond business. We are committed to educating the public and safeguarding people’s dreams from being crushed by fraud. I encourage anyone, even those who’ve received advice elsewhere, to approach us for a free consultation. Sometimes, a second opinion can save years of heartache and a great deal of money.
We are based across the UAE and if someone is seeking free advise they can reach me at +971 (0) 42 48 3900 or write to us at info@y-axis.ae
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