I have left the UAE but my bank won’t release my money

Keren Bobker helps an Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank client whose account was blocked.

Powered by automated translation

When I was in the UAE my salary was paid into Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. I've now left the country, but there is still money in my account, of which Dh2,000 is blocked. I asked why, and this is ADCB's response: "We wish to inform you that as per our records, the below referred amount is held by the collections department with a reason that your end of service benefits has been credited. We also wish to inform you that to release the hold amount you may submit your passport copy, visa page, salary certificate and new salary transfer letter to any nearest branch of ADCB." I've also asked the bank if the account is operating normally, and the email response was I should call them from one of the registered numbers (ie my UAE mobile or my UAE work number, neither of which I have access to), or drop into one of their branches, which I can't do as I am working in Morocco. I do not have any debts or liabilities. PC, Morocco

I referred this query to my contacts at ADCB and Mr C received an email from the bank the following day advising him that it was investigating. Five days later Mr C was sent an email advising that, the hold amount of Dh2,000 had been released. He now has full access to all monies in his account and the problem has been resolved.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com