How KT made an impact

DUBAI — Accurate and timely reporting of the plight of some families has immensely helped them to avail of the amnesty. Khaleej Times has worked tirelessly since August to help cases of families and individuals who were in desperate and critical conditions.

Abandoned by her husband, a Nigerian mother and her eight-month-old baby were unable to avail of the UAE amnesty due to the non-payment of hefty hospital bills. An anonymous KT reader came forward to help Hope Edemvughe by paying her hospital bills and providing her with air tickets to fly back home.

Now Hope and her baby Favour are living a brand-new life. Speaking to KT from Lagos, she said: “I don’t know what would’ve become of me if not for the UAE amnesty.” She added: “Without the amnesty, my freedom would not have been possible. There was immense support from so many people. I want to thank the UAE government, my church pastor, the readers of Khaleej Times and those who helped me financially. Thank you for saving our lives.”

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the timely intervention by the Indian Embassy and free medical care by a private healthcare group helped an injured Indian worker avail of amnesty. Khader Mohammed Adnan, 26, from Kerala, was desperate to apply for amnesty and go back home, but said he did not have the financial means or physical ability to go to the embassy or an amnesty centre. Thanks to the KT story, the embassy came to him offering help.