Manama: The agony of a 58-year-old Indian man in Bahrain, who has been separated from his family for 25 years owing to a travel ban over an unpaid debt of $2,750 (Dh10,100), may end soon.
A ray of hope to see his family emerged for Parasuram Hublikar after officials from the Indian embassy here met him and discussed his plight.
Hublikar, a garage mechanic without a permanent job, is banned from travelling abroad over an unpaid debt of 1,037 dinars ($2,750) he claims to have paid off but lacks evidence as he has lost the receipts.
Indian Embassy officials said that they are aware of Hublikar’s plight and are making all efforts to send him back home as soon as possible.
“I just met him two hours ago. We are aware of the case and are constantly in touch with him. Since the ban has been imposed by the court, it will take us at least 10 to 15 days to take the papers from the court and proceed.
“I assure you his case is on the right track and we will make every endeavour to send him back home,” First Secretary Ram Singh said.
Earlier Hublikar had sought help from the Bahraini leadership to end his ordeal.
“I haven’t seen my family for 25 years and I’m still struggling to sort out my issues and be with them. I now request Bahrain’s leadership to help me solve this problem and allow me to go back home,” he was quoted as saying.
Relying on others’ goodwill for survival, Hublikar is hopeful that his wife, Jamuna, will “accept and love” him despite being away from the family for over two decades.
Hublikar’s wife works as a maid in Bengaluru.
The case was taken up by Bahrain’s General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs.
A spokesman from the Directorate said that officers had looked into Hublikar’s case but there was nothing they could do.
Hublikar’s former employer, Mahmoud Hassan Baqer, said that all outstanding debts had been paid, but apparently there is insufficient evidence to prove this for the purpose of removing the travel ban.
