Dubai: A Dubai-based bank is giving loans to Indian expats from Kerala as part of a campaign it has launched to support the flood-hit south Indian state.
Emirates NBD bank has sent out SMS and emails to its customers intimating them about a special personal loan offer.
Titled ‘a small gesture in support of the Kerala floods,’ the email sent out mainly to expats from Kerala, probably identified through the transfers they made to the state in the past, states “we are here when you need us the most.”
“It’s very unfortunate that the flood in Kerala has claimed many lives and homes. While we hope your loved ones are safe and well, if you need to borrow to help them, we would like to support you with a 100% cashback on processing fee — a small gesture from us, to help you offer comfort to the people affected by the calamity.”
The SMS from the bank on the topic said: “Avail 100% cashback on processing fee and a host of features if you borrow to help your loved ones in Kerala.”
When contacted, the bank said in a statement to Gulf News that it announced the Kerala Flood Campaign “to support our valued customers and their families who may have been affected by the calamity in Kerala, India.”
More than one million Keralites are estimated to be living in the UAE. Several hundreds of their families were directly or indirectly affected during the worst deluge the state witnessed in a century.
“The campaign enables customers to take a new personal loan or top up their loan with a full waiver of processing fees and at more attractive interest rates starting from 6.99 per cent per annum [3.73 per cent on a flat rate basis]. The special offer is valid till end of the month and customers will only need to provide proof of a Kerala home address, either in the form of their or their parents’ passport or Aadhaar card copy [unified identity card issued by the Indian government] to avail the offer,” it added.
“It is a good gesture to support the flood victims,” said K.V. Shamsudheen, who has been conducting awareness campaign about financial discipline among Indians.
However, he warned the customers to be careful while taking any loan.
“People should know their credit worthiness and stability of their jobs and be careful about their plan to pay back the loans, especially if they intend to take the loans for someone else.”
