Cheque Bounce Case in Qatar

 Cheque Bounce Case in Qatar

Cheques are a common form of payment in Qatar, but what happens when a cheque bounces? Bouncing a cheque, also known as a dishonored cheque, is a criminal offence in Qatar and can result in severe consequences.

What is a Cheque Bounce in Qatar?

A cheque bounce occurs when the account holder does not have sufficient funds in their account to cover the amount written on the cheque. When this happens, the cheque is returned by the bank as “dishonored” and marked as a “bounced cheque”.

What are the consequences?

Cheque bounce is considered a criminal offence in Qatar and is punishable by law. According to Qatar’s Penal Code, anyone who issues a cheque without sufficient funds or with the intention of not honoring the payment can face imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine. The court may order the withdrawal of his or her cheque book and prohibit him or her from obtaining a new cheque book for a period of one year.

Additionally, the bounced cheque can result in a black mark on the issuer’s credit record, affecting their ability to obtain loans or credit in the future.

Can a travel ban be imposed because of a cheque bounce in Qatar?

Yes, which means you will not be able to leave the country until the debt is paid.. This is in addition to the potential criminal penalties for issuing a bounced cheque, including imprisonment and fines. It is important to resolve any cheque bounce issues promptly to avoid the imposition of a travel ban. This will effect your employment opportunities as well.

To check on your Travel / Immigration ban in Qatar click on the button below. If you have any other query click on the WhatsApp button and simply ask.

How to prevent a cheque bounce.

To prevent cheque bounce, it is important to ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account before . Keep track of your account balance and the dates on issued cheques. if you are sure that the funds will not be sufficient then ask the bearer to hold from depositing the cheque for awhile.

Is a cheque bounce a criminal offence in Qatar?

Yes, cheque bounce is a criminal offence in Qatar. According to the country’s Penal Code, anyone who issues a cheque without sufficient funds or with the intention of not honoring the payment can face imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine. Imprisonment from three months to three years and a fine of at least QR 3,000.

What to do if a Cheque Bounces in Qatar

If a cheque bounces, the recipient should first try to resolve the issue amicably with the issuer. If this is not possible, the recipient may file a complaint with the Public Prosecution.

The complaint should include the original cheque, a copy of the bounced cheque, and any relevant evidence to support the claim. The Public Prosecution will then investigate the matter and, if necessary, refer the case to the criminal court for trial.

Please note that in Qatar, a bounced cheque case can only be filed within three years from the date of the dishonored cheque.

Tips for Safe Cheque Issuance in Qatar to avoid cheque bounce and its consequences, it is advisable to follow the following tips:

• Ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account before issuing a cheque.
• Keep track of all cheques issued and their due dates.
• Use post-dated cheques only for future payments.
• Do not issue a cheque without the recipient’s full name and address.
• Ensure that the cheque is properly filled out, including the date, amount in figures and words, and the recipient’s name and address.
• If in doubt, contact your bank for clarification on the available balance.
• If a cheque bounces, try to resolve the issue amicably with the issuer.
• If this is not possible, file a complaint with the Public Prosecution.

Conclusion

Cheque bounce is a serious offence in Qatar. It is important to be aware of its consequences and how to prevent it. Follow the tips outlined above, and you can avoid dishonouring cheques issued by you. Either with banks or with individuals.