UK debt living in Australia.

[mumhadenough]

Okay, this is just a theoretical question, and I know its morally wrong before anyone flames me, but I've been wondering.

If we moved to Australia and left behind debt in the UK, are they likely to find me? Is there a reciprocal agreement in place between the UK/Australia for such debts?

Just wondering!

[AussieLou]

I have no idea about this but I am Australian and have a UL debt. I have heard through the grapevine that if you leave the UK and never come back then they don't chase you (for small amounts). Whether or not that is true I don't know.
Not much help but I am curious to know also.

[SaintRiven]

they found my brother. And the debt wasn't even his but a housemates in Lodnon.
Wasn't clear how they located him however but its taken him ages to prove is wasn't him.

[Piffle]

are you allowed into Autralia?
If you need to apply for visa for staying they check your finances now...

[AussieLou]

That is what I thought. It was only a rumour but sometimes they turn out to be true. I would not want to risk not paying though. I would have headed home 5 months ago but am staying to pay off my loan.

[bloss]

Message withdrawn

[mumhadenough]

Thanks everyone. I found some interesting information, seems they can't touch you in Australia.

If anyone else wants this info, I read this topic here

As I said, was just wondering . We have shed loads of debt, which at present is managed and I have an excellent credit rating, just wondered what would happen if I "ran away". Its tempting to say the least, but I'd be too scared to ever come back to the UK, especially if it didn't work out in Aus.

We're still giving consideration to moving to Aus, filled out all the visa and TRA forms last year, but then some rubbish happened and they've been sitting in a drawer ever since.

Thanks again.

[chloeb2002]

Hello just to let you know.. because we have just crossed this bridge.. I have some outstanding student debt in the uk and i am paying it off however... we are currently applying for a maortgage. I ahve a clean slate as regards credit rating in aus. in fact it is a positive rating because i have a mobile contract in my name and have paid it for 12 months etc.
The bank dont want to know about uk debt they acnnot be persued in aus. ion fact we were told to stoip paying them they would be written off. we are still paying them tho! DH's credit cards are uk one still and likewise we had to force the bak to accept the credit limit in our mortgage calculations.They dont look into your finances in immigration, some visas require you to have a certain amount of capital but beyond that its not of interest to them.
hope that helps.

[mumhadenough]

Thanks Chloe, that all seems to fit in with what I've read so far.

C x