Questions & Answers
Negotiating with the banks for restructuring payment plans
I am a British man who lived in Dubai for 13 years and had a successful career in senior director roles. However, in Jan, I was made redundant from my last job and at the same time, my divorce was finalized at the Dubai Courts.
My ex-wife was awarded a large sum, back payments from when divorce was filed in 2016, monthly maintenance for our child...etc. As I was unable to pay this in one sum, my ex-wife court ordered all my money and blocked me from leaving Dubai.
As I was redundant, I was unable to cancel work visa and get a new job. With no monies and no way to pay my liabilities for the bank loan and credit cards, I was stranded. In July, we settled and my travel ban was lifted before the banks moved in.
I now have an opportunity to return to Dubai but I need to negotiate with the financial institutions and other parties to ensure safe passage back. I need legal advice on how to do this, what steps need to be taken and I need payment plans to be set after starting a new role.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for getting in touch with me on this.
I would like to inform you that as long as the travel ban is lifted and the financial institutions have not filed any case against you, your travel in and out will be smooth.
However, considering you have outstanding amounts with the financial institution, there are chances that you might have a criminal case for cheque bounce filed.
I can assist you to inspect the police records to ascertain if there are any cases against you.
Further, if there are no cases, I can get in touch with the bank to negotiate and draw down an instalment-based plan as full and final settlement towards the outstanding.
The banks will try to settle the matter many times but will not withdraw their cases filed (if any), which will result in you being apprehended and detained at the airport at the time of arrival.
Hence, I always advise if it is safe to travel first and then negotiate with the banks.
I suggest you send me the bank names along with the outstanding dues to understand the matter and advise you further.
Please send me the documents on hari.wadhwana@gmail.com and you may also get in touch with me on +971 52 9495731.
Regards,
Hari Wadhwana
