For anyone seeking a job abroad, the demand letter is the most important document — it is the official paper in which a foreign employer offers you the job. But fraudulent agents use this very document to cheat people. That is why every job seeker must learn how to verify a demand letter, so your hard-earned money stays safe.
What a demand letter is, and what a genuine one must contain
A demand letter is the company’s formal job offer. A genuine letter should include: the company name, address, phone, email and registration number; the job title and description; the salary in that country’s currency; the contract period (usually 2 years); accommodation, medical and ticket benefits; the authorised person’s signature, the official seal, the date and a reference number. A genuine letter is always on the company’s official letterhead with clean printing.
How to verify a demand letter: step by step
Step 1 — Search the company. Search the name online — the official website, address and phone should match the letter. Fake companies usually have no real website.
Step 2 — Ask for the agent’s licence. Take the registration number and get it verified — this is your right.
Step 3 — Check government rules. Rules change often, so always check the latest information on the official government website.
Step 4 — Compare the salary with market rates. An unusually high salary promise is often a red flag.
Step 5 — Contact the employer directly. Call the official number or email yourself to confirm whether there is a vacancy in your name.
Step 6 — Check the document quality. Spelling mistakes and a blurry seal can be signs of a fake document.
Step 7 — Match the visa type. The job in the letter should be the same job on your visa application.
Genuine vs fake demand letter — comparison table
| Point | Genuine demand letter | Fake demand letter |
|---|---|---|
| Letterhead | Official printed letterhead | Plain paper or fake design |
| Company details | Full address, phone, registration number | Incomplete or wrong information |
| Salary | Around the market rate | Unrealistically high, tempting |
| Seal and signature | Clear seal and signature | Blurry seal, cut-and-paste signature |
| Employer contact | Official number gets a response | Number switched off or no response |
Red flags to watch for while verifying
- Demand for a heavy advance or cash payment
- The letter only exists as a WhatsApp photo — the original is never shown
- The company name is nowhere to be found online
- Instant selection with no interview
- Pressure like “pay today itself”
If you see any of these, stop and investigate fully first. Read about more scam methods here: Fake Job Offer Letter Red Flags. Also see our Oman driver and cleaner jobs salary guide.
5 questions you must ask the agent
- What is your agency’s registration number?
- Can I speak to the employer directly?
- Which visa will I get — a work visa or a visit visa?
- What is the refund policy if the visa is rejected? Will I get it in writing?
- Will I get a proper receipt for every payment?
An agent who answers these directly is worth trusting. One who dodges them is not.
What to do if you have been cheated
Do not panic — but stop paying the agent immediately. Keep your receipts, chats and payment proof safe, file a complaint at the police station and report it on the national cyber crime portal. Complaining early improves the chances of recovering your money.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Is a demand letter alone enough to get a visa?
No. It is only proof of the job offer — for the visa you must complete the full process as per the embassy’s rules.
Q2. What is the easiest way to spot a fake letter?
Call the company’s official contact yourself and confirm. If they deny it, the letter is fake.
Q3. Is it safe to pay an advance to an agent?
Not without a registered agency, a receipt and a written agreement. Always take a proper receipt.
Q4. Is it okay to travel on a visit visa and then work?
Usually not — if caught, you can face a fine or deportation.
Q5. How long does a genuine demand letter take?
It depends on the company — usually a few weeks. Be cautious of claims like “letter in 2 days”.
Apply through Sunlight Holidays — Payment After Visa model: no heavy advance, trust first. Contact details are shown across this website.
💰 Payment After Visa model — no heavy advance, trust first.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Sunlight Holidays is a travel consultancy — not the government, an embassy or an immigration department. Visa approval, fees, processing time and the final decision rest with the concerned embassy or government authority. Please verify the latest information on the official embassy or government website before making a final decision.