With the start of the UAE’s two-month amnesty program, many undocumented immigrants hurried to change their visa status. For them, the campaign was a breath of relief in the face of challenging circumstances. However, how did they end up in such a difficult circumstance?
Ali, a 73-year-old Indian expat, was forced to move to Dubai five years ago due to unfavourable living conditions. In an interview with Khaleej Times at an Amer centre in Mamzar, he stated, “I worked in the UAE from 1992 until a few years ago.” However, my second son was badly burned in an accident. To be able to speak again, he required surgery. To pay for that procedure, I had to go back to the United Arab Emirates.
After his first work visa expired, a different family hired him as a cook. “He insisted that my age was why my visa was being denied and that he was attempting to resolve the issue,” Ali remarked. I realised I had been duped when he fired me a year later. I had developed severe asthma by that point, and there were days I thought I might not make it.
Ali worked odd jobs and was often found in the mosque. He remembered, “The first few days were tough.” My health caused me to slow down and stopped working. However, God has always shown me the way—through individuals or events. I made it through. I want to see my family and go home right now.
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