Cancelling Your Credit Card to Visa: Essential Things to Take Care of Before Leaving the UAE

 

Dubai is a city of dreams and has changed the lives of many who came here with the hope of creating a better future for themselves and their families. When it's time to go back home after fulfilling your dreams, or relocate to another city for work or retirement, it's important to complete a few essential tasks without fail.

Here's a checklist of things you need to do before leaving the emirate for good:

Cancel your Credit Card and Close your Bank Account

Initiate the process of closing bank accounts well in advance, as it can take several weeks and often requires in-person visits. Follow the bank's specific procedures, including withdrawing funds, returning related documents and obtaining clearance certificates. It's important to cancel your credit cards to avoid annual charges and other hidden fees.

Terminate Tenancy

If you're leaving the country permanently, it's imperative to give notice to your landlord as soon as possible. Understanding the notice period required for terminating your tenancy is crucial. In Dubai, individuals facing hardships due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a force majeure exemption regarding notice periods.

Contact the Rental Disputes Centre at the Dubai Land Department for further guidance. Upon concluding the notice period, obtain Ejari clearance and clearance certificates from utility companies to cancel your tenancy contract.

Mobile Number Transfer

Timing is key when cancelling your UAE mobile number. Consider transferring to Etisalat's Homebound pack, which allows you to keep your UAE number active for 30 or 60 days, facilitating communication with shipping companies, buyers, and potential employers.

Handling Belongings

Assess and categorise your belongings into items for shipment, sale, donation, or disposal. Engaging a relocation company or managing the process yourself depends on your preferences and timeline. Explore various options for selling items and consider donating quality goods to registered charities. Arrange for bulk waste collection services for items not suitable for donation.

 Vehicle Sale

Whether selling your car independently or through a dealer, ensure it undergoes necessary servicing and detailing for an optimal sale. Utilise online platforms and social networks to maximise visibility.

Obtaining School Leaving Certificate

Obtain a school leaving certificate for your child, ensuring all outstanding fees are settled. Schools can provide these certificates, which may require verification by relevant authorities such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Clearing Utility Bills

Ensure utility bills are settled in full and services are disconnected before terminating residential tenancy agreements. Many utility companies offer online processes for bill clearance, with varying processing times.

Cancelling Residence Visa

If your visa is sponsored by an employer or family member, ensure it is cancelled before departure. Employers should proceed through the Ministry of Human Resources, while family-sponsored visas require processing through the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

By following this checklist meticulously, individuals departing the UAE can streamline their exit process and minimize potential legal complications.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.