Message for those returning to U.K. but good advice for all ex-patriates.
From Consular. UAE@fco.gov.uk
Contact Numbers: British Embassy – Abu Dhabi Tel: 02 610 1100; Dubai Tel: 04 309 4444
Checking Out Campaign 2016
Many people need Consular assistance because they do not check out properly. Don’t let it be you! Remember, if you’re leaving the UAE soon you will need to appear in person to close down your accounts and dispose of personal assets, make sure to plan ahead.
Bank Accounts, Credit cards and loans
Remember to clear all your debts before you leave the UAE. Non-payment of a debt is a criminal offence and could result in arrest and a possible prison sentence. If you have outstanding debts you may not be able to leave the country or you may be stopped and arrested if you try to come back to, or even transit through the UAE. Keep copies of all documents relating to closed accounts.
• Cancel any credit cards, loans and overdrafts with the bank. It can take up to 2 months to complete all the paperwork.
• Close any bank accounts if no longer required.
• Request a bank clearance letter for your employer.
• Leave a forwarding address for any future correspondence.
Employment & Visas
If your contract is coming to an end, you will need to hand over your passport temporarily to your employer who will cancel your residence visa.
• Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder.
• Request your gratuity payout statement and payment from your employer. The Embassy does not get involved in employment disputes. Please contact the Ministry of Labour and refer to the List of Lawyers.
• If you are terminating your employment then you will need to give the required period of notice.
• Return medical cards.
Accommodation
• Give notice to your landlord in accordance with your lease.
• Request and collect utilities clearance certificates
Abu Dhabi http://www.addc.ae/en/contact.html or Dubai https://www.dewa.gov.ae/default.aspx
• Collect any deposits outstanding from the utility or phone companies
• Cancel your contracts with your mobile phone, internet and TV providers.
• Cancel any newspapers or other services delivered to your door.
• Cancel your home contents insurance policy.
• Return the keys to your landlord and collect any outstanding deposits. You may need to have the original receipts to do this.
Property, Cars and possessions
• If you have a property you wish to sell or rent then you will need to engage the services of an agent if you are leaving the UAE.
• If you rent a property then make sure you give the required notice in your contract or you may be liable for a further payment.
• Sell your car before you leave or leave a Power of Attorney with a friend or colleague to sell it for you. If you do use a Power of Attorney, you will need a local lawyer to advise you on this. Please see List of Lawyers
• Check for any outstanding traffic fines:
• Remember to cancel your Salik tag if you have one
• Your insurance company may offer a rebate when the car is sold.
• Get quotes for removals. It can take 6 weeks or longer to ship your belongings to the UK.
• Remember to get your shipping insured and consider the cost of storage if required
• Decide what you are taking and organise a sale to dispose of the rest or contact one of the companies that will take your junk for you.
Journey back to the UK
• Book departure flights as far in advance as possible and make sure your passport is valid. Passport renewal
• Find out the charges for excess baggage as these can be expensive.
• If you have children in school here, ensure you give sufficient notice in accordance with the school’s admission policy for preparation of a transfer letter or certificate for your onward base.
• Remember to collect copies of your medical and dental records to take with you.
• Teachers and civil servants may require a Police clearance certificate if you are returning to the UK to work.
• For information on obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate / Certificate of Good Conduct, visit the UAE Embassy .
More information is also on the Abu Dhabi e-government website, Dubai Police and Sharjah Police websites.
• Pet owners should leave enough time to complete the necessary preparations and correct paperwork to take pets with you. For the UK, check out the documents required on the Gov.uk website
Remember, if you leave the UAE with unpaid debts you may be blacklisted by the authorities resulting in your detention and arrest in the future. If you visit or transit through the UAE, Immigration may be alerted and you will be brought to the attention of the authorities. In the first quarter of 2016 25 British nationals were arrested for Financial crimes.
(As an added thought: note that paying off your credit card, and emptying your bank account is not enough- if they are still open then minimum charge and other fees will accumulate and you will not be able to re-enter the U.A.E, ,or will be arrested, till those amounts are settled.)
