I heard a story (can not vouch for its authenticity) of someone who run away leaving a significant amount of loan here.
For years nothing happened to him at home, until one day he transit in Dubai on his business trip to the US and the police is waiting for him. Got detained until he agreed to pay of the remainder of the loan plus interest and penalties.

Hopefully your friend will not experience the same.

A loan is a debt. If you take it, it is your responsibility to repay it in any way you can. In Islam (intentionally) unpaid debt is one thing that can put a barrier between you and the paradise....wallahua'lam

Cheers
SK