Hike awareness to avoid debts

Ease burden on expats
THE Civil and Commercial Procedures Law allows the creditors to request for banning debtors from leaving the country in case the latter fail to pay their loans or dues like house or car rental fees. The ban itself can be a guarantee because the debtors cannot leave the country without settling their dues, while there are cases when this is considered severe punishment, especially if the person is innocent.

The law also gives the debtors right to appeal if a travel ban is imposed on them for failure to pay their dues. However, this may take time as the procedures are lengthy. Those who have been wrongly accused may suffer a lot, particularly those who cannot work for another employer due to the expiration of the labor contract and non-renewal of visa. Moreover, the law, which was issued in the 1980s, does not allow payment of bail equal to the debt amount. If the court rules in favor of the debtor, then the deposited amount is refunded.

Definitely, if an arrest warrant is issued against a debtor after imposing the ban, he does not suffer but this might affect his family – wife and children – who may feel miserable in case he does not come home as expected.People should then be wary of their interactions or the transactions they make with others (company or individual).

They should always seek legal advice or ask for the assistance of someone they trust to ensure they do not become victims of the language or cultural barriers.

Undoubtedly, there is always a way out because the court ensures justice for all but it may take time. Therefore, we need to amend the law, specifically the stipulations on the right to demand for compensation when the procedures are illegal.Also, the responsible employers must fully explain to their new foreign workers the usual difficulties faced by newcomers.

Along with the embassies, the employers must guide the new workers and direct them towards trusted providers of services and products. We have to raise public awareness on these issues to ease the burdens of the foreign workers.

Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal

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