But then domestic helpers are not considered residents, so they don't factor into the calculations here. The people they borrow money from have the ways and means outside "due process" to collect the funds.one nationality grossly over-represented in the total number of in debt expats (the vast majority of whom will not be eligible for PR after living & working here for 7 years)
There always seems to be an "aunty" or "cousin" who they've co-signed for and who has left for greener pastures or gone back home for some reason or the other. Cant blame them entirely.. their families put a lot of pressure on them to send funds back home.
About the issue brought up by gutsglory - the cops are not involved. The case is still a civil matter and the collection is still a civil issue. The cops need to prove intent to commit a crime if they're going to get involved. They are rarely bothered.... (there are atleast two high profile situations here on GeoExpat / GeoBaby where two separate businesses have been taking money and not delivering promised goods.
The groups of people involved have had a very difficult time getting the police involved as it is extremely difficult to prove that someone fully intended not to repay funds before they left.
In your case, lets hope the bank / collection agency is not as aggressive as some of the Filipino / Indonesian "money lenders" and they don't follow you back home.