The reader is the victim of a Dh12,000 credit card fraud. Getty Images
The reader is the victim of a Dh12,000 credit card fraud. Getty Images
The reader is the victim of a Dh12,000 credit card fraud. Getty Images
The reader is the victim of a Dh12,000 credit card fraud. Getty Images

'Can I be repatriated if my Dh12,000 credit card fraud case is still ongoing?'


  • English
  • Arabic

I am a victim of a Dh12,000 credit card fraud and my case is now being investigated by the bank. I have submitted all necessary documents including dispute forms and verbal statements. The bank told me that it will take 90-120 days before the result of the investigation can be released. Another concern is that I will not be staying with my current employer due to the coronavirus because of economic losses so I will be let go and no companies are responding to my job applications. With no other resources to support myself, the only option my sponsor agency can do is to repatriate me once flights to my home country are available. The question is, will my dispute case under investigation be a holding point for my repatriation? RA, Abu Dhabi

An ongoing case such as this should not prevent anyone from leaving the UAE but there are some issues to be considered. The bank may request that RA goes to a branch to sign any paperwork, obviously after restrictions have been lifted, and a bank account cannot be closed with an outstanding investigation.

It is recommended that residents close a bank account before they leave the UAE permanently. This is because fees  can accrue on dormant accounts, which can lead to a debt case and a problem re-entering the country. Few banks will allow an account to be closed if someone is no longer in the UAE.

It is standard practice for banks to quote this investigation time frame to customers for fraud cases, and I am aware of quoted times of up to 180 days. It varies between the main two card providers, Visa and Mastercard, and the specific circumstances. A case can be resolved sooner in some cases but RA can check the progress of his case with his bank every few weeks.

If the investigation has not been resolved before he leaves the UAE, he will need to speak to his bank to see if they are able to close the account, after transferring the balance, without him being present. As more and more transactions are now able to be done remotely, and systems have been amended to accommodate this, some banks may be more amenable in the future.

I am a nursing assistant in Dubai. My notice period is three months and I would like to resign now so that in a few months I can go home with my family once everything is cancelled. I have been told by HR that I cannot resign as per a circular from the Dubai Health Authority. I then called the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) who said I could resign as no law has been passed. These are two very different opinions, so what is the real situation? EK, Dubai

On March 29, the DHA issued a circular that thanked medical staff and facilities and went on to say: “Furthermore, for ensuring the preparedness of health facilities and their full capacity to manage cases of the coronavirus Covid-19, herein DHA would like to point out the following: retain the existing healthcare workforce at healthcare sector (including doctors, nursing and allied health). Therefore, health facilities are requested to refrain from accepting resignations of healthcare staff, being the main front line in fighting the pandemic. All facilities are expected to comply with the above.”

The circular ended by advising that this was from immediate effect and would be valid until further notice. This has yet to be rescinded, so it is correct that EK’s employer does not need to accept her resignation at this time. This is due to the need for all medical staff to be available. Once the situation has improved this requirement will be lifted and she will be able to resign. This is not a change in law, and bear in mind that not all medical facilities are under the guidance of the MoHRE as some are in free zones and others are government. DHA oversees the health sector in the emirate of Dubai.

I have a car due for annual inspection in two weeks. As I am fully isolating because of some health issues, how can I renew the registration without incurring any fines? SN, Abu Dhabi

It is currently possible for people in all emirates to renew their vehicle registration online and without a physical inspection. This was announced on March 23 for a period of three months. Residents can do this via the police app or website in the relevant emirate or if in Dubai, via the RTA app or website. The fee is a standard amount of Dh350 for cars and you pay this online when submitting the relevant information. The registration card is delivered to the owner’s home for a nominal fee. Insurance must be renewed as usual and this can also all be done online or over the telephone.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 25 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

Mica

Director: Ismael Ferroukhi

Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani

3 stars

Andor
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tony%20Gilroy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDiego%20Luna%2C%20Genevieve%20O'Reilly%2C%20Alex%20Ferns%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%205%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS

Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now

Get stories like this one in your inbox each morning.

Sign up for our daily newsletter here

A new relationship with the old country

Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates

The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.

ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.

ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.

ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.

DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.

Signed

Geoffrey Arthur  Sheikh Zayed

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Drishyam 2

Directed by: Jeethu Joseph

Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy

Rating: 4 stars

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

Innotech Profile

Date started: 2013

Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari

Based: Muscat, Oman

Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies

Size: 15 full-time employees

Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing 

Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now. 

Racecard

6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m

The National selections

6.30pm: Chaddad

7.05pm: Down On Da Bayou

7.40pm: Mass Media

8.15pm: Rafal

8.50pm: Yulong Warrior

9.25pm: Chiefdom

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.