Questions & Answers
Can a UAE debt collector pursue legal action in Europe for unpaid loans in the UAE?
Dear Lawyers,
I have an unpaid loan and credit card debt in the UAE, and I am now working in a European country. Will they file a case here in Europe?
My employer received an email from a collector asking if I am employed here.

They cannot file a lawsuit in Europe.
If you have any other inquiries, contact us on phone number [----------].
Hello,
It is unlikely that a creditor in the UAE will file a case in Europe, as legal procedures for debt recovery are typically confined to the country where the debt was incurred.
However, they may contact your employer to verify your employment status, which could potentially impact your financial situation.
It is advisable to address the debt issue directly with the creditor or consult with a legal professional in your current country of residence for further guidance.
You can contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email.
Yes, UAE creditors can pursue debt collection in other countries, including Europe. While it may be more challenging to enforce a judgment in a foreign country, creditors can take steps to recover the debt.
So, they can recover these debts through collection agents, but it is not possible to enforce the judgement and file a case over there.
If you need our assistance to negotiate with them, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out!
Regarding your situation, it is possible that the creditor or collection agency may seek to take legal action to recover the unpaid loan and credit card debt. However, the ability to file a case in Europe depends on a few factors:
1. Jurisdiction and Cross-Border Enforcement:
Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Creditors in the UAE generally have the right to pursue debt recovery within the UAE, but enforcing judgments or filing a case in Europe can be more complex.
International Debt Collection: If the creditor decides to pursue the debt in Europe, they may need to go through a formal process of recognizing and enforcing the UAE judgment in the relevant European country. This process can vary depending on the local laws of the country in which you are working.
2. Employer involvement:
It’s common for debt collectors to contact employers to verify employment details, especially if they intend to garnish wages or take legal action. However, this does not necessarily mean that a case will be filed against you in Europe.
While your employer may provide confirmation of your employment, they are not directly involved in the legal proceedings. The creditor must follow the proper legal process in your country of residence, and this often involves more than simply contacting your employer.
3. Legal Defense:
If a case is filed against you in Europe, we are always ready to assist in defending your position, ensuring that any legal actions taken comply with both local and international laws.
We can also explore potential solutions to manage or negotiate the debt, protecting your rights in the process.
We advise you to stay in touch with us for guidance throughout this process, and we are here to assist in defending your interests, even if the case is filed in Europe.
Please feel free to contact us at any time should you need further clarification or support.
Best regards,
Mo. Salah
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your unpaid loan and credit card debt in the UAE and the potential implications now that you're residing and working in Europe.
In the UAE, defaulting on loans or credit card payments can lead to legal actions, including the filing of criminal cases for bounced security checks.
If a criminal case is initiated, it may result in a travel ban or arrest upon re-entry into the UAE.
Regarding the possibility of UAE creditors pursuing debts internationally, while the UAE's legal jurisdiction is primarily domestic, creditors may engage international debt collection agencies to recover outstanding amounts abroad.
This could involve contacting your current employer, as you've experienced. However, for a UAE creditor to file a legal case against you in Europe, they would generally need to initiate proceedings under the legal framework of the respective European country, which can be complex and varies by jurisdiction.
Given the complexities of international debt collection and the potential impact on your employment and personal life, it's advisable to address the situation proactively. Engaging directly with your creditors to negotiate a repayment plan or settlement can often prevent escalation.
I would be glad to assist you in navigating this matter, ensuring that your rights are protected while working towards a feasible resolution.
Please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone at [--------] to discuss your situation in detail and explore the best course of action.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana

Dear questioner,
The chances of a case being opened in Europe are low; however, debt collection agencies can still track you and create issues through calls and follow-ups. They cannot take any legal action against you.
If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.