Dubai: British Embassies in the UAE have launched a social media campaign to encourage British expats to tick off a checklist before leaving the UAE.
Their Facebook (facebook.com/ukinuae) and Twitter (@ukinuae) accounts cover what Britons should do before checking out of the UAE. It includes topics such as financial liabilities, pets, employment and visas, accommodation, cars and possessions.
The checklist can serve as a guide for expats of other countries as well in virtually all of the cases.
The campaign was launched on Sunday and will run until Thursday.
It encourages Britons to clear all debts before leaving, for example.
“Non-payment of a debt is a criminal offence and could result in arrest and a possible prison sentence. If you have outstanding debts you may not be able to leave the country or you may be stopped and arrested if you try to come back to, or even transit through the UAE,” an embassy statement said on Monday.
The checklist also notes if the work contract is coming to an end, they will need to hand over their passport temporarily to their employer who will cancel their residence visa.
“Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder.”
The statement added: “Request your gratuity payout statement and payment from your employer. The Embassy does not get involved in employment disputes. Please contact the Ministry of Labour and refer to the List of Lawyers.”
The tips also urge those leaving to give notice to their landlord in accordance with the lease and collect any deposits outstanding from the utility or phone companies.
Regarding personal vehicles, the advice is to sell the car before leaving or placing a Power of Attorney with someone who can sell it on his or her behalf.
“Check for any outstanding traffic fines … Remember to cancel your Salik tag if you have one.”
As for belongings, they are urged to decide to take along and either sell the rest “or contact one of the companies that will take your junk for you”.
For the journey back to the UK, the pointer is to book departure flights as far in advance as possible and make ensure the passport is valid for travel.
Monday’s statement said: “If you have children enrolled in a school in the UAE, ensure you give sufficient notice in accordance with the school’s admission policy and so that they are able to prepare a transfer letter or certificate for your onward base.”