After 10 years, expat struggles to return home

Manama : An Indian national, who has been living in Bahrain for the past 10 years without a valid visa, is desperate to go back to his home.

The Indian man, Balraju, does not have a valid residence permit and has been working illegally in the country. According to him, he landed in Bahrain on a visit visa. 

He decided to stay here beyond his visa time period after he got some odd jobs. 

He told DT News yesterday that during his stay in Bahrain he frequently fell ill. 

“I came here 10 years ago after my brother had paid money to an agent to arrange a visa for me. After I landed here, I started doing odd jobs, mostly cleaning cars, to eke out a living,” he said, adding, “My health issues prevented me from going back during the amnesty period. I was sick and bedridden. I did not even know about the amnesty period.” 

He said that he was desperate to return home as he was suffering mentally and physically. 

“I am not able to work. I need to go back to my home, but I do not have any money,” Balraju said helplessly.

When asked why he did not seek help earlier, he replied with tearful eyes: “I don’t know.” 

He visited the Indian Embassy Open House yesterday to seek assistance.