Sharjah Police have reaffirmed that while humanitarian measures exist to help financially distressed individuals, being unable to pay a debt does not automatically cancel it or erase legal obligations, the force said in a public clarification.
Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, spoke on the Direct Line programme on Sharjah Radio and TV in response to public confusion about recent directives intended to minimise arrests in financial cases.
Humanitarian Guidance, Not Legal Forgiveness
According to Major General bin Amer, the humanitarian guidance issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, is meant to protect those who genuinely cannot pay, not to offer a blanket exemption from debts or court rulings.
He stressed that the policy has been widely misunderstood and in some cases misused as a shield against legal enforcement. The police clarified that these measures are designed to provide relief for genuine financial hardship — such as allowing grace periods, structured repayment plans, or mediation — but do not erase the underlying debt itself.
Sharjah Police said they assess each case individually, looking at factors such as income, assets, and overall capacity to pay. Those with no salary, property, or other means may be treated differently, with alternatives to arrest considered.
However, this does not mean a debtor’s obligation is cancelled. The police clarified that judicial decisions and enforcement procedures continue to apply and may be carried out if authorities determine the debtor has the ability to pay.
Balancing Compassion With Accountability
Major General bin Amer highlighted the importance of balancing compassion with accountability. While the authorities aim to avoid measures that could worsen a debtor’s hardship — such as job loss or salary suspension — they also warn against exploiting humanitarian provisions.
“We look for honest engagement,” he said, noting that debtors who proactively communicate their situation and propose feasible repayment options are likely to find cooperation rather than confrontation.
The Sharjah clarification comes amid wider UAE efforts to support individuals facing financial difficulties. Across the Emirates, various committees and funds have been working to settle or alleviate debt burdens for citizens facing genuine hardship, with hundreds of millions of dirhams cleared in recent years under directed initiatives.
Additionally, federal laws such as the insolvency and financial restructuring legislation offer formal routes for individuals who are unable to meet their obligations, including rescheduling of debts and court-supervised repayment plans. These laws aim to decriminalise debt where appropriate and protect debtors from harsh enforcement, provided criteria are met.
What This Means for Debtors
• Financial hardship alone does not wipe out debt — it may lead to adjusted enforcement but does not erase the legal obligation.
• Debtors should engage with authorities early and provide honest information about their financial situation.
• Mechanisms such as grace periods, mediation, and restructuring plans may be available on a case-by-case basis.
• Special relief programmes continue to operate to help those in genuine need, but these are not automatic or universal.