I lived in Dubai with my family from 2005 until late in 2010 when I lost my job. I left with a few bills outstanding as I had no money, and I would like to find out if I have been blacklisted, as I would like to have the option to return to the UAE at some point. I have no idea where to start, so how can I find out? CD, New Zealand
I do not know the amount of the debts left behind, so there are two ways to check if there is likely to be a problem returning to the UAE. If there are monetary debts, the creditor may have registered a police case, in which case the quickest course of action is to ask a friend in the UAE to visit a police station with a copy of your passport, and ideally a letter of authority, to enquire if there are any cases or complaints registered. They will not be told details, just if there are any cases on file. CD can then make contact to find out how to settle the debts and lift the complaints. In addition, in case the previous employer has registered CD as an absconder, which could lead to a permanent ban, he would need to contact the Immigration Department directly to see if he has been given a ban and secondly whether it can be lifted. In some cases bans can be removed, but cases are assessed on an individual basis.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice
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