Indian Embassy to aid 'deserving' amnesty seekers stuck for tickets in UAE

Abu Dhabi, Jan. 20 (ANI): The Indian embassy in the UAE has announced it would provide financial help to amnesty seekers from India who are unable to cover their ticket fares out of the UAE. M.K. Lokesh, India's ambassador to the UAE said tickets would only be provided based on need. He said they would offer help but only for those who deserve it, such as women, those who have been in jail, people who are bankrupt and the like, reports Gulf News. Private organisations are also chipping in to cover the ticket fares for Indian expats and some have even budgeted for this purpose. Sudesh Aggarwal, chairman of the Indian Business and Professional Council in Sharjah, said they have put aside Dh 50,000 to help Indian amnesty seekers with their exit tickets. India's minister of state for external affairs, E. Ahmad, said that the department is working with a budget provided by the Indian government. The Indian embassy also bears the cost of typing and related services for an emergency certificate (outpass) up to an amount of Dh 40 for Indian amnesty seekers as per a Government of India decision. However, a Dh 60 outpass fee must still be paid by Indians wishing to benefit from the amnesty. (ANI)