CONTEXT
Losing a job does not cancel financial obligations to banks and credit institutions. Loan and credit card agreements remain in force until the debt is fully repaid. If a creditor has obtained a court enforcement order, a travel ban may be imposed as a precautionary measure — and in many cases, the debtor learns of it only when attempting to leave the UAE. A travel ban is not a punishment; it is a security measure to ensure debt performance, and it can be lifted.
LEGAL BASIS
Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 — Enforcement Proceedings
Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2023 — Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring
How a travel ban arises: A travel ban is not automatic upon default. It is imposed by a court within enforcement proceedings, upon application by the creditor, where a confirmed debt exists. Discovery of a travel ban at the airport indicates that enforcement proceedings have already been initiated.
IMMEDIATE STEPS IF A TRAVEL BAN IS DISCOVERED AT THE AIRPORT
Step 1 — Identify the enforcement case
Obtain the case number and the name of the court before which the matter is pe...