Law

Hawala Service Providers in the UAE

Expats are relevant to Hawala, an informal way of sending money across borders. No bank is involved, and no interest rate must be given. 

Hawala service providers are not legally registered in the UAE, but efforts are being made to register Hawala operators to ensure their smooth operations. Furthermore, The UAE Central Bank demanded all Hawala service providers that operate in the area to make their registrations so that they don’t have to face any legal issues in the future.

The certificate is issued by Central Bank in UAE. Other than that, it is not allowed to operate Hawala service in UAE. Legal requirements can be grabbed by consulting the advocate and legal consultants.

The UAE Central Bank had recommended that the Hawala service providers be registered by December 2 2020. They should secure a safety certificate and ensure strong grounds. 

The Importance of Regulations

Hawala services can only be carried out by certain providers, and regulations have been made to ensure this is followed. This constitutional law is a further advancement in the progress made by the Central Bank of UAE to ensure that the institution sends out no money without hosting complete financial transactions.

In addition, The UAE local authorities want and demand respect for procedures and works relating to the country’s policies concerning anti-money laundering and the funding of terrorism.

Consequences upon Non-Cooperative Hawala Providers

The UAE expects service providers to be cooperative and loyal to their work, so they have issued instructions to follow. This way, they can ensure that the business is productive and successful. If the service providers are disloyal and non-cooperative, legal action will be taken in line with severe punishment provisions.

The UAE Central Bank punishes these service providers so that they do not repeat their mistakes in the future. However, the legal actions against non-registered Hawaladars are punishable through fines or imprisonment, as decided by the Central Bank of the UAE. Besides imprisonment or fines, the business premises will be closed to avoid Hawala’s illegal activities in the UAE.  

Risky Moves by Hawala Providers

Moreover, The Central Bank has informed the service providers about two violations that might lead them to risky fines and even a jail sentence, and these two are as follows: No registration before December 2, 2020, and if they fail to meet the requirements under the Registered Hawala Providers regulation.

Furthermore, the local authorities oversee and guide all the organisations and activities in the UAE. They will analyse every aspect of the Hawala business to ensure the UAE government legalises those activities.

Hawala Providers Registration Necessities

The Hawala Providers have to undergo certain registration procedures. The application should be filled in-depth with the applicant’s details. The formal application letter should have the signature of an authorised signatory. The applicants must carry a marketable registration copy for ease.

They should also take a rental contract print and the business foundations’ address where the business operates. Contact information of the in-charge manager and the Head office is important for future reference. Identification copy and Passport copy of the registered Hawala Provider in case of regeneration in the future should also be submitted. Most recent coloured picture of the registered Hawala Provider.

Police approval certificate of the registered Hawala Provider should also be provided as it ensures that the provider is not involved in any recent legal allegations. The main business framework form and a form filled with information from the Central Bank should also be submitted. If you want to offer Hawala services in the UAE, ensure you have a license to do Hawala activity.

NOTE: The content can be old or outdated. Therefore we suggest that check with legal departments in UAE or at least lawyers in UAE. One must grab all the details before proceeding. We do no take any liability here in this content or through the content. Kindly meet with lawyers in UAE for a business or professional matter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button