Dubai: A group of illegal Indians has been stopping motorists and pedestrians and asking for help to buy air tickets and food.
The 100-strong group is living rough on the grassy area by Al Seef Road. They have stored their luggage in a room rented with the help of a female Indian doctor who has also been making arrangements to provide their daily food.
Motorists and pedestrians who come across these men are handed an A4 size paper carrying a typed appeal and the contact number of the doctor for those wishing to make a contribution.
Poor image
Some Indian residents said they no longer fell for the sob stories told by these men and said their behaviour was spoiling the image of India in the UAE. "I am an Indian but believe me these men fail to win any sympathy from me. Why should I help them out when the UAE gave a six-month amnesty period for illegals to return to their respective countries," said G.P. Khurana, an Indian businessmen who was stopped by the illegals during his morning jog along the Creek.
The men, who were asked to leave the area on Thursday morning by Dubai Municipality staff, said they all hail from the southern Indian state of Hyderabad and were unable to take advantage of the amnesty period due to lack of funds or paperwork. They said they had been living at the mercy of the doctor.
"I was waiting at the traffic lights on Al Seef Road when I saw a man running across the road towards my car. He had an A4 size paper with him. I wound down my window. When I read what was on the paper I just asked the man to leave or I would call the police," Sapna Avinash, an Indian copywriter, said.
B.S. Mubarak, the labour consul at the Indian consulate, said the consulate had issued free air tickets during the amnesty.
Sob stories
"We have been issuing free tickets during the amnesty and even after that period. They should come to us and air their grievances."
One Bur Dubai resident said the men were milking people with their sob stories.
"I spoke to them once and I got the impression they were not interested in going back home but just wanted to linger around. Instead of providing them with food and a room to keep their luggage these men should be handed over to the Indian consulate so they are able to return home."
The Indian doctor, when contacted, said she had helped them rent a room for Dh4,000.
"Each one has his own problem. I just wanted to help them out by providing them with a place to stay."
One of the men, Ramu, who absconded from his workplace after a year said: "I used to earn Dh750. I then worked at various construction sites and eked out a living. I even got an outpass but had no money to go home."
Thirupati, another man in the group, said he had all his luggage stolen.
"The Indian lady doctor gave us a room where we go every morning to take a shower. Four of us cook food which is then brought to the park for everyone to eat."
Your comments
I was disappointed by the comments made by the readers. They should be more sympathetic. If possible, help them. Dont insult them.
Salman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 10, 2007, 13:14
Most illegal immigrants have huge loans to repay in their home country. They come to the UAE with dreams only to find their dreams shattered because of poor income and living status. They are stuck in the middle. They cannot live here nor go back without money to clear loans. They should be given a chance to get a job in Dubai, on humanitarian grounds.
Vasanta
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 10, 2007, 12:46
Kick these people out. These illegal immigrants are spoiling the image of my country . I feel ashamed of their attitude in a foreign country.
R.G
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 10, 2007, 09:29
Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they must be going through. We should not assume they are cheats. We should help them if we can, instead of just passing comments.
Azad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 10, 2007, 09:17
The UAE government had granted them amnesty time to leave the country. But that these people did not do anything then proves they do not want to leave the UAE. If they want to return to India, they should contact the Indian embassy.
Zaheer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 10, 2007, 07:58
