I left the UAE a little over a year ago and received confirmation from HSBC that my bank account was closed with nothing owing. That was around January 2013. Then in June 2013 I received an email saying there was a balance of Dh60 with interest accruing. I emailed the bank twice to query this, but have never had a response. As it was a small amount I didn’t think much about it, but I will soon be coming to Abu Dhabi on business and it occurred to me that even this small debt might cause a problem. As I haven’t had a response could you assist by asking them to confirm that the account was closed in full as initially advised and there is nothing outstanding or any problems with me entering the UAE? G H, Belgium

I understand that the confirmation that the account was closed was verbal, but a small payment of Dh60 appeared on the account soon afterwards. While this small sum has caused no legal problems, this must be paid in full for the account to be fully closed. GH is now making a transfer to settle the final balance in full. She would then be wise to request written confirmation of the account closure from HSBC so no further problems arise.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com