Which banks are lending so irresponsibly?

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Ð July 15: Dirham is the currency of the United Arab Emirates. UAE dirham was introduced in 1973. (Pawan Singh / The National) *** Local Caption ***  PS06- DIRHAMS.jpg
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I was sorry to read about the Dubai resident who is surviving on one meal a day because he owes Dh105,000 on four credit cards and two loans (The Debt Panel: Dubai jeweller says Dh105,000 debt caused by expenses of 'middle class life', July 19). My question is this: How does someone on his salary get that far into debt? And which banks are lending money like this? None I know can do this as all of them state a minimum salary of Dh12,000 to be eligible for a loan.

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

All over the world, there are people who live within their means. They save for a better future for themselves and their families, or that rainy day when they might have to shell out for medical care or another type of emergency. And then there are those who think that money grows on trees, who believe they are blameless for getting themselves into debt and who want others to bail them out. These people talk of the suffering their families are going through as though it is everyone else's fault and not theirs. But then again, where would banks be if there weren't people on this planet with no common sense?

Name withheld by request

Take a hard look at your loan and credit agreements

I refer to the news report, How an Abu Dhabi resident took three UAE banks to court and cleared Dh700,000 debt(July 18). More people need to take a hard look at their loan and credit agreements. I'm sure this practice is more pervasive then we all think.

Logan DelaFish, Dubai 

Why would you leave an anxious young family member behind to fend for himself? Mental health care in Canada isn't cheap. "Susan" is lucky that her son didn't end up hospitalised or suicidal.

Lisa Kereliuk, Dubai

The story is encouraging. It's about time someone stood up to the banks.

Tilsa MA, Ras Al Khaimah

Time to lift the visa ban on Bangladeshi workers

It's really sad that the UAE has still not lifted the ban on Bangladeshis (Bangladesh visa freeze hurting teacher recruitment, says school principal, July 18). Recently, I heard that the ban would be lifted soon. But now it seems that's not going to happen just yet.

Traditionally, Bangladeshis make up one of the strongest workforces in this country. It helps this country as much as it does Bangladeshis, many of whom have to look outside the country for jobs. While the ban may not hurt this country, it’s definitely hurting individuals. I would request that the government lifts the ban as soon as possible.

Abdul Khondakar, Abu Dhabi