Dubai, May 12: Free tickets are being offered by philanthropists and businessmen based in the UAE for deserving Indians who want to fly home.
Repatriation ticket prices have been set at around Dh700 to Dh750 per person depending on the destination. But there are many in UAE who cannot afford it, especially people who have lost their jobs or have medical concerns.
Malayalam Communications Ltd and its Malayalam stations (Kairali TV & Kairali News) are giving away 1,000 tickets free. Those who wish to apply can submit their application to [email protected].
Indian businessman Dhananjay Datar, chairman & managing director of Al Adil Trading Company, is also giving away 300 tickets. He is liasing with the Consulate General of India (CGI) for the names. “This is the time we need to rise as a community,” he said.
Besides taking care of airfares, Datar will also bear the cost of COVID-19 testing fees for Indians from the UAE.
“The repatriation efforts undertaken by the government of India is one of the largest initiatives. I am just doing a small bit to help the community. There are many people who are not in a position to meet the airfare and COVID testing costs as they have lost jobs. I will be coordinating with authorised entities handing this to lend my support,” he said.
Pravasi India Forum, a welfare organisation in UAE, is giving away 100 tickets. The NGO on Monday, May 11, uploaded a registration form where people can provide their details. “Tickets will be given to those approved by CGI and for those who are in financial distress,” said Abulaise, president of Pravasi Welfare Forum.
Punnakan Mohammed Ali, general secretary Incas UAE committee, said it is also ready to give away hundreds of free tickets but only to genuine candidates. “We will evaluate each individual and only if they are approved by the consulate, we will give the tickets. But we are ready to help.”
Those who want to register can get more details on www.pravasiwelfareforum.com.They can also call 055-1025611.
Need for more flights
The gesture notwithstanding, many Indians are still waiting to get news on their repatration.
Social worker Shukoorali Kallangal, President, Abu Dhabi Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), urged the government of India to add more flights to accommodate more passengers.
“Emergency repatriation services are the need of the hour. There are several expats with medical, financial distress. For those who came with the hope of a job – that too is a thing of the past now. Right now all they want is to go home and start something afresh there.”
Kallangal said: “Take the case of pregnant women. In many cases, their husbands have lost jobs or have been asked to go on unpaid leave. They are living hand to mouth and cannot afford medical costs. Due consideration should be given to them.”
Sreedharan Prasad, another social worker based in Ras Al Khaimah, said he is currently dealing with several emergency medical cases.
Consul General of India Vipul said plans are afoot to add more flights in the next phase of Indian repatriation. “The number of flights are being decided by India in consultation with state governments. This is not a normal situation we all are in. We are in the middle of a pandemic situation.”
Responding to queries of media persons regarding the anti-hijab agitation in some colleges in the state by Sangah Parivar backed students, the minister said thathijab' should not be identified with any religion.
Comments
Sreenivasa for you if u say all muslims goto GCC country to follow the rukes of islam thn were you will send the to the rajsthani women everyone cover there head even we cant see there face until they show there face and even many hindus also use to cover there head with there saree and were you will send thm can you tell me whn you people do pooja u also cover your head with ur saree or duppata wht abt tht were you will send GCC or the other country do u have dont blame other religons they do wht they blive india is not made only for RSS and hindus india is of maltiple religon and maltiple caste and multiple festivle dont blame others b like a brother if u cant let others live like brothers dont try to do brain wash of good hindus ok
@shrinivas.
That means Sita mata is Muslim. we can see that Sita Mata is wearing hijab in all her pictures and idols.
Dear Srinivas, the comments from your side shows how much childish you are. If eductaed, they will utter these type of words. India Is the country for all religon and practicing their faith is given to every one by constitution. If you think that you are not happy with this , you can search for the place of your choice , where you can practice your faith. So don't try to misguide the people. Simply relcoate yourself to the place where you can practice your religion. India is not suitable for people like you. Because in india every one want to live togtehr. If we united we can develop. If we devided we will perish. That what otehr countries want with india.
@ Srinivasa, why you people are wearing threads around wrist and Panganama on foreheads.... Any one is opposing... that is your culture and ideology .....Dear Sini, have you checked the reality... have you seen girls covering their faces in the CLASS ROOM
@srinivaasa. If Hindus want hindutwa and blah blah blah let them go to Nepal. India is the country of Muslims, Hindus, christian, and many more .. in short it's the country of Indians. And coming back to sharia.. it's the constitution rights what Muslims
whether you take it as positive or negative, my comments upon the subject is: Dear non hijab ladies, Kindly don't start to wear hijab. you want to expose your figures to public and public simply enjoys it. i too feeling lot of things in my mind. it just because of you only force me to think such manner. specially young ladies (College Students) whoever not wearing hijab please don't wear. if you start wear it is very boring to come out from the home.
Good move from the education minister, thank you sir. India is a secular nation and anyone can follow their own tradition and custom.
@Sreenivas, dont provoke the matter, instead of wasting your time in getting yourself provoked please understand with any good muslim person about Sharia Law by that you will come to know what Islam is and what it teaches, you said to follow sharia we should go to muslim countries (LOL). Everywhere you find Islam you will find sharia law. My brother please dont provoke any matter and dont come to conclusion soon.
Such issues began only after communal force came into power,
If sita mata can wear hijab. Then all hindu womens should wear hijab.
Add new comment