Can I get a new UAE visa if I have a police case against me?

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Can I get a new UAE visa if I have a police case against me?

Dubai - Can a loan defaulter with a criminal record get a new visa in UAE?

By Ashish Mehta

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Published: Tue 31 Jul 2018, 2:22 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Aug 2018, 9:08 AM

I lost my job in April 2017 during my pregnancy. After almost a year searching for a job, I got an employment offer recently. I have a personal loan at a UAE bank, the installments of which I have been unable to pay since October 2017. My prospective employer has informed me that they are willing to give me a visa, but that there was a criminal case against me. How can I get a new visa if I have a police case against me?
Pursuant to your queries, it should be noted that normally, banks obtain a security cheque for the  amount of loan or credit limit sanctioned against credit cards issued by them to their customers. The security cheque is presented for collection whenever a customer defaults in payment of loan or the credit card bills. In the event a cheque issued to the bank is dishonoured upon presentation, the bank may file a criminal complaint against the signatory of the cheque.
Since the bank has already initiated criminal proceedings against you, there may be a travel ban imposed on you until you settle the said matter with the bank. In the event the case is referred to the public prosecution, you may negotiate a settlement with the bank and obtain a release letter. The bank may withdraw their complaint if you can convince them that you will start repaying the outstanding amount after you start new employment. If the bank agrees to withdraw their complaint, they should provide you a release letter duly attested by a Notary Public in the UAE which you or the bank could hand over to the public prosecution for closure of the complaint.
Once the complaint is closed, you may be able to obtain a good conduct certificate from the police and thereafter your prospective employer may apply for an employment visa.

KNOW THE LAW

Since the bank has already initiated criminal proceedings against you, there may be a travel ban imposed on you until you settle the said matter with the bank.
Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United King. Full details of his firm on: www.amalawyers.com. Readers may e-mail their questions to: news@khaleejtimes.com or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.


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