My job finishes soon and my employer will cancel my visa. I will then leave the UAE for a few weeks before returning on a tourist visa. Shortly thereafter, I expect to start a new job in the UAE. Must I cancel my internet account, electricity bill, car ownership papers, bank and credit card account, etc or can I allow some of these to carry over? In other words, what is the least necessary to be done and still avoid problems at the airport, either leaving or returning? SH, Abu Dhabi
This is not an uncommon situation and many people take a break between jobs. Provided the intention is to obtain a new visa then the various authorities and providers are not going to have any issue with a short break in continuity.
The rules regarding who can drive an owned vehicle are more flexible than before, but insurance will have been arranged on the basis of being a UAE resident. Although a driving licence is not invalidated if someone is no longer a UAE resident, the potential issue is regarding the insurance. SH should check the small print on his policy and for added security contact his motor insurance company to advise of the circumstances and get clearance to drive the car in the interim period, preferably in writing.
The bank account certainly doesn’t need to be closed but if he has a loan and/or credit card debt he can expect his account to be frozen until he recommences work. Even if an account is frozen, this is entirely different to a travel ban and the bank would have to have grounds to believe that someone was about to “do a runner”, usually with missed repayments, before opening a police case. If he has a new job offer already, notify the bank and provide a copy of the new job offer letter so it is aware of the circumstances. If he has no debt he may be able to avoid the bank account being frozen.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. 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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