Unsettled debts make a return to UAE complicated

As no payments were made on a debt for a period well in excess of three months and there has been no communication at all with the bank, there is a good chance that a police case has been registered against expatriate.

I worked in Dubai in 2015. After six months I lost my job and came back to India. However, I could not pay off my credit card debt and I did not close my post-paid Sim card for my mobile phone. If I get a job again in Dubai, can I come and just continue my payments? RM, India

As no payments were made on a debt for a period well in excess of three months and there has been no communication at all with the bank, there is a good chance that a police case has been registered against RM. This means that he is likely to be arrested immediately upon entry to the UAE and would be detained until the debt is repaid. He defaulted and broke the agreement made with the bank. Whether the phone company has also raised a case will depend on the amount owed. RM should get in touch with the credit card provider immediately to find out the position and to see if they can come to an agreement in respect of repayment. They should also be able to confirm whether they have registered a police case. After all this time the amount owed will have increased because of added interest and as there has been no communication, the bank is likely to want repayment in full to withdraw any police case.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.

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

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