Given the developing situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we wanted to reassure you that we remain dedicated to continuing to support you with the highest quality of service.
Kindly note the following updates related to the Bank’s services and precautionary measures undertaken, which we will keep updating on a regular basis.
The health, safety and financial wellbeing of our customers, our employees and the community remains top priority, and we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone remains financially protected as our bank-wide resilience and continuity plans go into action. In line with our Islamic values, we are especially focused on protecting those most vulnerable in a time like this when they need us most.
Customers with Existing & New Finance Facilities:
As part of our efforts to provide you with a safe and secure banking environment in the current situation related to COVID-19, some of our banking services will be discontinued at branches and will now be available only through our digital and self-service channels:
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Important Note Regarding Fund Transfers
Please note that all fund transfers (including transfers within Emirates Islamic, Domestic Transfers and International Transfers) can now be made at all Emirates Islamic branches.
Please click here to locate your nearest Emirates Islamic CDM. For any emergency, our branches remain open to assist you.
In addition, we strongly recommend you conduct all your banking transactions using our digital channels or ATMs/CDMs and avoid visiting branches unless absolutely essential. You can access over 250+ services through Emirates Islamic Online Banking/Mobile App, ATMs and CDMs including:
The following select Emirates Islamic branches will be available to serve you for emergency requirements
Please note that our other branches will be closed till further notice.
Your wellbeing is of the highest importance to us. In view of the current situation of COVID-19, we wanted to remind you of the many convenient ways that you can enjoy our banking services digitally.
Mobile Banking /Online Banking
Instead of visiting our branches, we encourage you to perform your Banking needs via our award-winning Mobile Banking App or Online Banking, including:
Contactless payments
Make payments on the go and without using physical cash notes.
While most of your banking services can be conducted through our digital banking channels, we understand that you may still be required to visit our branches or use our ATMs/CDMs. Branches are being sanitized as per recommended best practices from the health authorities and hand sanitizers are available for your ready use.
Given the situation around the Coronavirus – COVID-19 outbreak, the safety and wellbeing of our customers, our employees and the community, remains our top priority, as we put our Bank-wide precautionary measures into action. In accordance with the UAE government directives, and following global guidelines, Emirates Islamic has rolled out its proactive business resilience and continuity plan.
We have undertaken precautionary measures across our branch network, including additional deep cleaning and sterilization protocols, training frontline staff and installation of sanitizers around our offices, when entering and leaving the premises, on each floor and in elevators.
Emirates Islamic has a robust digital infrastructure to help customers manage their banking needs from wherever they are and whenever they need. Our digital platforms remain fully functional 24/7 and we encourage customers to access their mobile and online banking applications for their everyday transactions from the safety of their home. We are hoping with strong support from our clients, we will be able to change behavior and encourage digital interaction with us.
In addition, we are educating and encouraging customers to use contactless banking and payment solutions, through digital media platforms and social media, Our call center and branches across the country remain open for our customers’ convenience.
Emirates Islamic closely follow medical protocols from global and national health authorities to ensure the actions we take and the safety guidelines we regularly share with our employees regarding hygiene, alertness to symptoms, social interaction and travel are comprehensive and appropriate. The Bank will continue to take, all the measures local health authorities advise to protect our employees and customers.
Nothing is more important for us than health and safety, and we are doing everything we can to protect and support our colleagues, customers, stakeholders and community as part of our firm-wide business resiliency and continuity plans.
1. What is a Restructuring Program?
It is the remedial management of debts by altering the existing finance terms through extended periods to enable repayments with lower Equivalent Monthly Installments (EMI).
2. What are my options of restructuring if I have an active Bank finance and multiple credit cards?
All your finance facilities can be restructured (each product separately) which will help you to reduce your monthly commitments thereby your EMI will be reduced by extending the finance period.
3. Can I restructure my finance facilities if I do not hold a salary account with Emirates Islamic?
Yes, you can. To restructure your Personal / Auto Finance, you will be required to additionally sign Direct Debit System DDS forms and open a current account if you do not have one already. For Home Finance, we can offer temporary relief in payments for 12 months. For Credit Cards, we can offer a balance conversion / Easy Payment plans.
4. Can I increase the period of my finance facility without increasing the profit rate?
No, the profit rate will be to reflect the finance extension, but effectively you will continue to pay the profit at the same rate for the extended tenure. You will sign an Undertaking letter of understanding of profit rate explaining why the profit rate appears higher.
5. What is the process for the restructuring program/plan?
The process for entering into a restructuring program will be as follows:
6. What are the required documents for restructuring my finance?
Initially, we will require documented proof of a reduction in income, such as: Pay slips, Bank Statements, VAT Returns. Once confirmed, our representative will reach out to you via email on all the documentation required at various stages including application and KYC documents.
7. Do original documents need to be couriered?
A signed application form with other relevant documents has to be submitted to us for implementing the reduction in EMI. There will be different options such as dropping documents to our Meydan offices, Biker pickup, Courier pickup etc which will be advised by the agent who is in discussion with you. It is imperative that the original documents are provided to the bank.
8. When will my EMI start and How much time will it take and how will I get to know that my finance is restructured?
Your first reduced instalment will begin on your next EMI date, and will be serviced by you from your next payroll. Post approval of your request, processing time will be approximately two weeks. This is subject to you completing documentation requirements immediately you are informed that your request has been approved.
9. Can I partially settle my finance? Will it reduce my monthly commitment?
Yes, you can partially settle your finances. This will not attract any pre- payment penalty. Moreover, after partial settlement, should you wish to maintain the original period of the finance, you can do so to help you to reduce your monthly EMI.
10. Can I restructure my finance facility for now, and my Credit Card at a later date, if required?
Yes this is possible. You can contact us whenever you wish to restructure.
11. After restructuring my finance, can I revert to the original finance arrangement later?
Yes, the option of reverting to the standard finance terms are always open, provided your credentials meet our requirements and new finance documentation. You have the option of increasing the EMI amount by reducing the finance period or partially settling the finance.
12. Do I get an insurance cover on the restructured finance?
Your existing insurance (takaful, Shari’a compliant insurance) coverage continues, where applicable.
13. I have opted for the finance deferment program, can I extend it longer?
Deferments that are already granted cannot be extended for a further term. However, you can opt for a reduced EMI plan under the restructuring program. For further details, please feel free to contact us.
14. Does the restructuring of my finance affect my Credit Report (Al Etihad Credit Bureau, UAE)?
It is a legal obligation for the Bank to submit the finance details under the terms of restructure to the credit bureau. We will report the status of your finance as restructured finance.
15. Can I seek additional Credit facility with your Bank or another lending institution while I am still servicing the restructured finance?
No, your ability to apply for additional borrowing with us or another lending institution will be restricted until your restructured facility has reverted to standard finance term within regulatory limits ( 20 times salary, respective tenures and within the respective applicable 50% or 30% DBR). As earlier stated, your Credit Bureau report will show that the facility has been restructured.
Please note the below FAQs, in the unfortunate event of a job loss:
1. If I do not have an active income, can I restructure my finance facility?
Yes, you may do so by providing a Guarantor or Spouse income or alternate income such as rental income. Alternatively, if you are able to pay 2 installments or upon receiving your EoSB, whichever is higher, we may consider restructuring your finance up to a period of 60 months.
2. Is it mandatory for the Guarantor to hold an account with Emirates Islamic?
No, it is not.
3. Do I have the option of restructuring my finance in case I have a new job with a company not listed as an “Approved Company” with the Bank and on a lower salary than my previous?
Yes, you can.
4. Can I seek additional Credit facility with your Bank or another lending institution while I am still servicing the restructured finance?
No, your ability to apply for additional borrowing with us or another lending institution will be restricted until your restructured facility has reverted to standard finance term within regulatory limits ( 20 times salary, respective tenures and within the respective applicable 50% or 30% DBR). As earlier stated, your Credit Bureau report will show that the facility has been restructured.
Please note the below FAQs on unpaid leave situation:
1. Can the Bank offer me payment relief when I am on unpaid leave?
Yes, the Bank may offer you a relief program on your finance facility in the unfortunate instance of being placed on unpaid leave. The offer is subject to Bank’s approval.
2. How many months can the Bank offer me payment relief when I am on unpaid leave?
The Bank may offer up to 3 months payment deferral program in the event of unpaid leave. If you have already availed deferrals under the Covid’19 relief in 2020 the total deferral cannot exceed 6 months.
3. If my employer has placed me on a long term unpaid leave, can the Bank still offer me unpaid leave relief program?
The Bank will only offer this relief program to customers who are on short term unpaid leave. The unpaid leave period should not exceed 6 months.
4. What other options are available for me if I am on a long term unpaid leave?
A restructure may be reviewed in case you are able to provide a guarantor who has an active income e.g. spouse income or alternate income such as rental income. It is not mandatory that the guarantor should hold account with Emirates Islamic.
5. Can I seek additional Credit facility with your Bank or another lending institution while I am still servicing the restructured finance?
No, your ability to apply for additional borrowing with us or another lending institution will be restricted until your restructured facility has reverted to standard finance term within regulatory limits ( 20 times salary, respective tenures and within the respective applicable 50% or 30% DBR). As earlier stated, your Credit Bureau report will show that the facility has been restructured.