UAE: ‘Help! Lost my job, unable to pay bills as bank charges accumulate’

I have a concern about my credit card settlement with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD). In 2020 during the pandemic, my job was made redun...

I have a concern about my credit card settlement with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD). In 2020 during the pandemic, my job was made redundant. Since then, I had over limit charges for 15 months for both cards, late payment charges, and interest charges due to unemployment. I paid 70 per cent of the card amount including over limit charges, late payment, interest charges after I got a new job.

But, right now I am unable to pay due to unemployment again. There was credit shield insurance on my cards, which I requested the bank to claim due to involuntary job loss during 2020. It got rejected saying I should have a minimum period of one year after the date of insurance enrolment, due to their new bank policy during the pandemic. Prior to pandemic, their bank policy for insurance claim was only for a period of three months

Since I am unemployed again, sustainability issue to stay in the UAE has worsen. Moreover, I already paid more with interest charges, including over limit charges (charged on two cards for 15 months).

 Due to my unemployment, I am unable to pay the total outstanding amount. For the past two years, my cards have accumulated over limit charges, late payment charges, and interest charges. I request the bank to waive off these charges and the interest on humanitarian grounds. I request Gulf News to interfere in this matter

The management of CBD responds: We are pleased to inform you that we have been in contact with the customer and provided him with the required information regarding his claim.

We can confirm that we have followed appropriate procedures, and have assisted Mr Mohammed to the fullest extent possible.

 

Mr Mohammed responds: Based on the bank’s request, I submitted all the documents three months back such as relieving letter, bank statement, visa, passport and all.

To date, I don’t have any update from CBD regarding my issues, days are getting worse for me. Can you please interfere as delaying further would impact more financial issues for me?

 

CBD responds: We have been in contact with the customer and provided him with the required information regarding his claim.