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In this guide, we break down if family members are liable for their relative's debt in the UAE
23 January 2024
| Last updated on 29 February 2024
If you are concerned whether you will be responsible for your family member's debts or credit card payments in the UAE, our guide is here to answer your questions.
Who is liable for your family member's debt?
According to UAE law, only the person or the people who signed a joint bank loan or credit card application are responsible for the debt. Family members are not automatically liable for the debts incurred by their spouse, parent, sibling, child's, or other relative's debts.
For example, if your mother has taken out a bank loan in the UAE or has some unresolved credit card payments, but you were not signed in as a joint applicant, then the banks legally cannot pursue you for payments. Only those who applied for or are a co-signee for the loan / credit card are liable.
I'm getting calls from the bank pressuring me to cover my family member's debt, what should I do?
Some debt collectors in the UAE may send troubling calls or have you believe that you must pay for your relative's debts with your own money.
Rest assured that if you are not a joint applicant, guarantor of the loan, or co-signee for a credit card application, then legally they cannot force you to be liable.
If you are still receiving threatening messages from debt collectors, you can file an official complaint with the concerned bank and with the Central Bank of the UAE. You can also call 800 CBUAE (800 22823).
Can I still travel in and out of the UAE?
If you are not a joint applicant or guarantor, then you have the right to enter and leave the UAE.
However, if you are a co-signee of the loan or credit card, the bank might raise a case to impose a travel ban on you.
SEE ALSO: How to Check if You Have a UAE Travel Ban
Can I still work in the UAE if my family member has debts in the country?
Yes, you can continue working in the country or look for job opportunities even if your family member has debts in the UAE.
What happens to my family member's debt if they pass away?
As long you did not jointly take on the debt, are a guarantor of the loan, nor signed a credit card application together, then the debt will not be given to any surviving family members after the borrower passes away.
The deceased debtor's life insurance can be one of ways to fully or partially settle outstanding sum. There might also have been a payment protection plan taken at the time of the bank loan or credit card application, and this insurance policy's coverage amount may also be used to help settle pending debt.
Do not run away from the UAE without paying your debts
If you or your family member might be struggling with repaying bank loans or credit cards in the emirates, debt evasion is not the solution.
Absconding with the intention of avoiding paying back debts will result in the borrower facing repercussions including legal charges from the UAE bank in question, fines, international debt collectors, and even imprisonment.
