Can former UAE resident return to Dubai with outstanding Dh5,000 Etisalat bill?

Keren Bobker advises an expat who has been offered a job in the UAE but still has credit card debt and an outstanding phone bill.

Keren Bobker advises a former resident wanting to return to the UAE but has an unpaid Etisalat bill. Galen Clarke / The National

I moved from the UAE about a year back and am now looking to go back as I have a job offer. When I left UAE, I had two outstanding bills. One was a credit card with an outstanding balance of about Dh19,000 and while there have been delays and missed payments, I am currently within the credit limits and payments are now regular. I also left without paying an Etisalat bill of about Dh5,000. I am looking to pay this amount before I visit Dubai. Considering the above, do you think it could be risky to enter UAE, especially given that the credit card is still open and I owe money? Even though the current status is regular, can I still be charged for the previous missed payments? VS, India

There are a couple of issues to address here – the potential consequences of entering the UAE with unpaid debts and also other action than can taken by the creditors. There will only be a problem entering the UAE if either creditor has registered a police case against VS as that will then show up on the Department of Immigration system. He should contact both the bank and Etisalat for their confirmation, which he should obtain in writing, but can also ask a friend in the UAE to check with the police to see if there are any pending cases. A copy of a passport is required, plus ideally a letter of permission, and the friend can ascertain if there are any cases pending though will not be given any specific details. If a debt is unpaid, or paid late, the creditor can usually charge extra interest or penalties in accordance with the agreement signed at outset. Banks will certainly charge extra for non-payment of debts and can be contacted directly for verification. Even if Etisalat has not taken any action, VS is likely to have a problem registering with either of the telecoms providers if there is an outstanding debt. It would be wise to settle this sooner rather than later.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser 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. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice