Closed gates greet amnesty seekers

Dubai: Visitors, mainly amnesty seekers, to the Indian consulate were caught unawares when they found the consulate closed yesterday.

Vasudev Gawas, a Dubai-based accountant, said: "I had to get an important document attested. I called the consulate on Monday to enquire about the timing. Yesterday, I was surprise to see the consulate gates closed."

The Indian missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remained closed yesterday as a result of Janmashtami, a religious festival and a public holiday in India.

The consulate on its official website posted a list of holidays that would be marked throughout the year. According to that list, the consulate will remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays and on designated Indian and UAE public holidays.

"I came to fill my application for an outpass but now I have to come back tomorrow," said an amnesty seeker.