UAE | Crime
Guarantor to collect passport
Ask the Law - May 9, 2009
- By Dina Aboul Hosn, Gulf News
- Published: 18:36 May 9, 2008
A reader in Dubai asks: On February 3 I stood as a guarantor - submitted my passport - for a family friend. There are many charges against him, which we are not fully aware of, starting from absconding to petty misbehaviour and bounced cheques. When I went to the police station, I was not told much, but was asked if I had brought my passport and a security cheque for the amount. The cheque was not received, only my passport was retained, and I was given a paper (in Arabic) in which I was told to confirm that my passport is retained as a security, as a bail for the man. I was also told he has 30 days to clear the case, or we both will be called again. My friend was summoned to Jebel Ali police station for some other charges within the 30-day period, was arrested and sentenced to a month in prison, followed by deportation. After the punishment, he was around for some 10 days, during which he called us once and sent a text message. After that his phone was switched off. We suspect he has been deported or if he is still around, he is surely dodging us. I went to Jebel Ali police station, asking for my options, for which I was told by the officer that the man will not be deported unless the charges against him are cleared, and though I am the guarantor, the charges are against him. Now what are my options? How stiff will the law be against me? Will I be allowed to take my passport? My passport expired in February this year and my employment visa expires in September. I need to withdraw my passport so as to renew the visa and passport. Moreover, I don't want to ask another person to stand as a guarantor.
The reader - as guarantor - has two options:
1) Apply to the police station where the passport is deposited to collect it as the accused is under police custody and therefore there is no need to keep the passport with the police. The rule is to bring the accused to the police and now as the accused is in police custody, the reader can collect his passport.
2) Apply to the public prosecutor to issue an order to the police station to release the reader's passport as the accused is already in their custody.
- Question answered by advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Last minute ID rush is on
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Car seats for children: Unsafe at any speed
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
