Q: I have four credit cards which I am using last 5- 6 years. My financial situation has currently changed dramatically, and I am not in a position to repay the minimum payments. Until the last month, all the payments were accurate. All four credit cards entitle to use AED 100,000. As per my knowledge, the bank will file a case against me and I would like to know what actions can I take to avoid prison. In addition, I think I need a lawyer so that he can take care of my documents and release me if they will catch me. Could you please tell me what will the next step be? How can I get a court decision in my favor and obtain a police clearance certificate after all this? Thanks.

Q: Hi, I'm not in the UAE anymore and I want to have an idea on what charges I am facing regarding debts so that I can contact the bank and hire a lawyer to settle things for me. Thanks

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 have two cases to the best of my knowledge which I have settled it outside the court, and the case is removed from the police station. Now, when I am submitting my visa renewal, the immigration said the case is not removed from the system. What should I do? My visa is expired and I'm living with my wife and children. How can I know if there is any case on me, or how can I check from the immigration which case is showing on their system for my visa which is in use right now? Please, help me out. Thanks.

Q: I have an outstanding balance remaining on one credit card in the UAE. Due to visa issues, I had to leave the UAE but I need to settle the card with a one-time settlement. My actual outstanding is around 14000, but due to interests and charges, the amount has gone up to 50000.

Q: I have a credit card due of AED 6000 but I want to know if I pay outstanding due, then will they remove the travel ban?

Q: I lost my job in March 2020. Had a loan payment and credit card payment going with the bank. I could not pay the loan EMI, the bank filed a case and I had to pay the fine of AED 10,000/-. At this point, I'm still jobless and unable to pay the credit card minimum due since April 2020. My query - 1- I don't remember giving any blank cheque for a credit card since it was issued by the bank without my request, can they still file a case? 2- In the meantime, if I get a job, can I open a salary account with a different bank?

Q: Hi, I have an outstanding credit card amount of AED 22,000 unpaid since March 2019, which has now gone up to AED 38,000. Since Nov 2020, a third-party debt collection agency is behind me for this amount. Now the bank is directly negotiating for AED 18,000 in one shot payment. I am unable to pay this amount. As per your experience, what is the minimum amount that banks will agree with to close this issue? If they go for a civil case, will the judge grant me a lesser amount to pay?

Q: Dear team, It is appreciated if you could help on the matter below. I am an ex-pat. I have been working in Abu Dhabi for the last 10 years. I have been using credit cards since then. Last year in September 2018, I retired from my employment as I reached 60 years of age. I had some outstanding credit card payments which I have been paying from my savings till the last year, however, now I am in financial difficulties and I am not able to pay the amount of the installments. So in these cases will the banks restructure my loan and pause my payments for the time being till I can get a new job or else will I be sent to prison if being defaulted? Many thanks!

Q: Good Day! I left an unpaid credit card loan of AED 3,000 in Dubai last 2019 (My credit limit is 5,000). Since 2016, I had my card deactivated & just paid the minimum monthly till 2019. I was laid off from work & so I did not pay the balance. As far as I remember, I did not give a security cheque to the bank. Will they still file a case against me? And also, my sister who is still in Dubai went to check if I have a civil case at Muraqqabat police station & was told that my name has no case. Can I rely on the police report? Is it possible that the bank forgives a defaulter like me? Thank you

Q: Hi, I have a credit card issue. Since last 2019, I am asking the bank for negotiation. I paid for around 4 and half years but now I am not able to afford it anymore. But they are not negotiating and telling me to pay the full principal amount. They are calling and harassing me but not negotiating. How can I come out of this issue? This issue is pending since 2019.

Q: Hello experts, My credit report on my credit card in 2013 says "written off" on my default status, but the bank and collection agency keep chasing me for the outstanding. Am I still obliged to pay them?

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.