Q: I was working in Abu Dhabi. I have a personal loan amount of 82000 and 20000 of a pending credit card bill. I lost my job due to the current COVID pandemic. When I came to India for my annual vacation, my employer terminated me and canceled my visa. I was not able to come back. Even tourist visa possibilities were less. As everyone in India aware that this job loss and paying back the debt of a UAE bank is very tough. I am ready to pay some small percentage of the amount to the bank as a settlement. Is it possible?

Q: Dear Nikhat, I have a personal loan with a bank in Dubai. Last October 2016 I lost my job and the company sent me back to my country. Now I have a job offer and visa. Will I be arrested if I arrive in the UAE? Due to the job lost only I didn't pay the amount. If possible I can speak to the bank and I can pay the amount monthly. Please advise me. Thanks / Regards

Q: Dear Samira, I've taken a loan from a bank via credit card. I came back to my country and due to the COVID situation, I lost my job. Now I want to come back to Dubai but I didn't pay the loan and payments are pending for the last 3 months. Can you please help me with how I can sort out this matter? Thank you

Q: I had defaulted on Personal/CC loans and had to leave Dubai in 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation and was unable to find a job after trying hard. Can someone please advise if there is a DUBAI IMMIGRATION BAN for default upon arrival at DXB airport? I have checked on the Dubai police app and with Local Typing Centers in Dubai and there is no financial case registered on my Emirates ID. But some say I will be caught upon arrival at Dubai Airport as I have defaulted for 2 years on the payment of EMIs and have outstanding du bills as well. Please advise the best possible solution. Highly appreciate your time.

Q: Dear Lawyer, When does a travel ban come into effect once the bank files an execution case? I am the owner of a small company and have had a business loan since 2018. However, due to difficult circumstances, I have been unable to pay the installments since July 2022. The bank has informed me that they have filed an execution case against me and placed a travel ban on 27.12.2022. On the Dubai Courts website, the case status is currently listed as "Reserved." I have checked the Dubai Police website and do not see any indication of a travel ban. I am in communication with the bank and requesting their assistance in resolving the situation, as I intend to repay the loan but I need some grace from their end. In the meantime, I would like to know if the travel ban is in effect upon filing an execution case by the bank and if I am able to renew my visa and my family's visas in this situation. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated, as I am in a state of distress and have my wife and children here.

The management of individual financial affairs is crucial and all the actions must be weighed down while committing to any financial liability. Whether it's job loss that may have lead to financial failure or the opposite, one must be aware of the personal liability which will not diminish by paying fines for cheque bounce cases. There are two major types of liabilities, criminal liability and civil liability. Each has its own significance, hence, must be dealt with accordingly.

An interview-format article covering the topic of the travel ban and reasons leading to it in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.