Elderly Indian couple flies home as community helps settle debt

dubai — After facing legal woes for over four years, an elderly Indian couple in Dubai was finally repatriated, the Consulate-General of India tweeted.

The couple, 65 and 61 years old, had been stranded in the emirate because of a number of financial issues, including a rental dispute case.

Support from the Indian community poured in — helping the seniors settle Dh50,000 in debt and covering the cost of their repatriation. The Indian mission had also provided them with financial assistance.

Jitendra Negi, labour consul, consular, and Madad at the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, told Khaleej Times that the couple had been living in the UAE on an expired visa since 2016.

“We have known about this case for one year now. Even though several other legal complications were cleared, last year, it was bought to our notice that the couple was involved in a rental dispute. The real estate company said they would not relieve them of the case without paying the outstanding amount,” Negi said.

“Our aim was to send them back to India before the amnesty period ended. Fortunately, thanks to the help provided by several social groups, including the Tamil Ladies Association, Dubai Computer Group, and Siddharth Balachandran, the executive chairman of Buimerc, we were able to facilitate their repatriation.”

Help from community

The couple, long-time residents of Dubai, were left in a lurch when the man lost his job in 2014.

Social worker Uma Shankari, who assisted the couple, said: “The couple’s outstanding rent was at Dh194,000. However, after several meetings with the builder, they agreed to settle for Dh50,000.

Several generous sponsors associated with the Dubai Computer Group agreed to donate funds towards their cause.”

Shankari advised aged couples, especially those who have suffered job losses amid the pandemic, to fly home immediately.

She said: “I’ve noticed that many people tend to stay back in the UAE in the hopes they will find another job. While this does happen, many end up in deep financial distress.”

Our aim was to send them back to India before the amnesty period ended. Thanks to the help provided by social groups, we were able to facilitate their repatriation.”

Jitendra Negi, labour consul, Consulate-General of India in Dubai