UAE-Stranded 87-Year-Old Indian Man Returns to J&K

UAE-Stranded 87-Year-Old Indian Man Returns Home to Jammu & Kashmir

Old Indian Man Rescued in UAE, Reunited with Family After Months of Struggle

An 87-year-old Indian man, Rashid Anwar Dhar, has finally returned to his home in Jammu and Kashmir after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for several months. His journey back was made possible through the concerted efforts of community organizations and Indian authorities.

Stranded and Alone: Dhar’s Struggles in UAE

In January 2024, Dhar, who allegedly has memory loss, was found outside the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS) office.
According to reports, he introduced himself as a doctor from Kashmir and claimed to have a family in India. However, his situation took a turn after remarrying in the UAE—following his second wife’s passing, financial hardships left him without support or a place to stay.

His identification was verified by authorities using an old 1989 Indian passport. An Emergency Certificate (EC) was granted to him in order to make his return easier because of his lack of documentation.

Community Efforts Lead to His Safe Return

The IAS, in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in Dubai and UAE authorities, worked tirelessly to trace Dhar’s family and arrange his travel back to India. He was eventually repatriated on March 19 along with Prabhakaran Payyannur, an IAS volunteer.

His case brings to light the difficulties encountered by certain Indian expats in the United Arab Emirates, especially those who are old or undocumented and struggle without legal assistance.

A Broader Issue: Struggles of Stranded Indians in the UAE

The situation involving Dhar is not unique. For a variety of reasons, many Indian expatriates—particularly those with low incomes or those lacking the necessary documentation—end up stuck abroad. In a related instance, a 47-year-old Indian man from Kerala spent 18 years living in the United Arab Emirates without proper documentation before being returned with the assistance of social workers.

Furthermore, the UAE recently provided free food and shelter to about 300 stranded Indian expats, highlighting the necessity of ongoing support networks for those in need overseas.

In order to protect the welfare of stranded Indians and facilitate their reunion with their families, the work of social groups, diplomatic missions, and volunteers continues to be essential.