Q: Hello. I owe a bank here in the UAE a credit card debt amount. Due to circumstances (losing my main source of income, having other financial burdens, including monthly medical bills for cancer treatment & medications etc., and  I don't have health insurance), I haven't been able to pay back on time since over a year ago. Hence, that amount has since accumulated from a small figure to a relatively big one (currently at around AED 70,000). I have received an email recently from some "credit collection" agency, saying that if I don't pay back next month, they'll put a travel ban on me and file a civil case. However, it is impossible for me to pay this amount at this time. I am currently making "some" income (not as close as I used to before, but still), and have the intention to resolve this issue. Is there any way to reach a settlement with the bank (maybe to waive part of the amount or the interest), break down the monthly installments to smaller amounts, or any other solution you would suggest? Many thanks.

Q: I am in Africa, and I left Dubai before settling my loan. I am being contacted by an independent debt collector. I am outside the UAE, what are my options if I ignore the debt collector? How can I get a clearance certificate from the bank & police?

Q: My friend left the UAE for family emergency reasons and had a loan debt remaining to the bank. He continued to pay the instalments for the next 3-4 months but could no longer because he did not have full-time employment. He kept in contact with the bank and let them know his situation. He only has part-time work while looking for full time and offered to make small payments to show good faith until he is able to secure full-time work. Now the loan is with a collection agency which is requesting a large sum or they will pursue legal action in the US against him. He wants to pay but due to his situation, he is unable to at this moment. They refused his smaller amount of payment offer. He does not plan on travelling back to Abu Dhabi. The question is, he is trying to pay but they will not accept that amount. Why will they not take the amount offered since he is communicating and wants to pay? What can they do to him in the US? How will that help them get their money back?

Q: Hi, Can I file a complaint for being harassed to collect my debts to a bank here in Dubai? They've been calling me in my landline office and they've been calling my boss as well at work. Can you help me? Thanks, W.M.

Q: Can a telecommunication company come to my HR to collect the unpaid due bill? They called me and said that they will do so. I mentioned over the phone that they communicate to me via email and I will respond there. They are checking my personal information. I have a recording of the conversation. Are they legally allowed to harass me like that? Thank you!

Q: The collection department of my bank is harassing me and threatens me about my due balance on my credit card. I informed them that I don't have work yet and waiting for a job offer. I will settle it once I get a job. What can I do on this matter to negotiate with the bank?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I had a loan from a financial institution a long time ago. A year ago, someone called me and said I could pay any amount, and they would confirm my payment. After paying for a few months, they didn't confirm, and I cannot reach the person. Now, they are bothering me again at my company. What should I tell them? I'm afraid of losing my job.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.