I had a credit card with a UAE bank but I left the country a year ago as my wife was expecting a baby. I am now planning to return and want to clear the outstanding balance. I only used Dh10,000 on the card. Will I have any issues at the airport or at immigration? I completely intend to repay all my debts. AH, Pakistan
As far as I can establish, AH has not made any payments since leaving the UAE and this has consequences. Firstly, the money he owes will have increased by way of unpaid interest and also late payment penalties. Secondly, if no payments have been made for a year and there has been no contact with the bank, the bank will probably have registered a police case against him. This would lead to his arrest upon attempting to enter the country. AH should contact the bank immediately to find out if it has register a case against him and start negotiating to repay the monies owed. Then the bank can cancel the police case and he can re-enter the UAE. It is likely he will have to repay most, if not all, of what is owed to have the police case lifted.
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
