The Debt Panel: Save me from a loan I took on to bail out my father

▶ Our experts offer advice to a former long-term resident who lost his job and returned to Pakistan shortly after borrowing Dh200,0000 in the UAE

Iworked as a manager in a five-star hotel in Dubai for 12 years and always had a clean record. My salary was Dh16,000 with some benefits added on. Then my father started a business and was scammed as the company and building was registered under his name. The partner took 3.6 million Pakistan rupees (Dh119,684) from the company and disappeared. When clients started asking for money from my father, I took out a Dh200,000 loan to bail him out. The day after I sent him the money last September, I received a termination letter due to restructuring of the hotel’s management. The scam case is still in court in Pakistan, where I am now based. I have been sending letters to the bank, urging them not to proceed with a travel ban as I’m trying to find a job. So far I have had no success. I also recently flew to the UAE on a visit visa to find a job, but the hospitality industry is not doing well at the moment. If the bank proceed with a travel ban, how can I repay them and find a job? In Pakistan, I only earn 40,000 rupees a month, which is not enough to pay rent and school fees. What do you advise? FB, Pakistan for your overdue loan, using your income in Pakistan. This will show that you are making your best efforts to try to sort out your problems, with an intention to meet your financial obligations and increase your chances of avoiding a travel ban.

Considering your low income in Pakistan, it makes sense to try to find a job in the UAE, which will enable you to earn a higher income. With your 12 years of UAE experience and good track record, it is a realistic target.

If you have assets in Pakistan, you can consider selling them to reduce the amount of money you owe. Think of ways of earning more income. Can you ask for a pay rise from your current company? Can you take on part-time work? Are there any alternative options available to you where you can earn more money and put it towards your debt?

This will give you some time to expedite your job search, avoid any legal issues and increase the time you have to find employment in the UAE.