(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) An expat for eight years was at the Dubai International Airport. On his right hand was a carry-on luggage full of Christmas gifts for his two young kids; on his left hand, he was holding his passport. Smile was written all over his face in anticipation of enjoying a happy holiday with his family back home.
But that did not happen.
After presenting his passport for stamping, he was asked by the airport officials to go to the back of the queue. Later, he was told he cannot leave the country as his name was on the immigration blacklist. His case: Three bounced cheques.
That was the story of Isidoro, 48, a Filipino expat. He is being held at Al Gharb Police Station in Sharjah since December 2 last year.
Sharing his experience with Khaleej Times, he said:
"That incident (at the airport) was really traumatic. I was not aware of the case filed against me. Moreover, I had to endure the shame of being held at the immigration. I was handcuffed and brought to the police station."
Three cases of bounced cheques were filed against Isidoro - in the amount of Dh45,000 in Dubai; Dh10,000 in Sharjah and Dh7,000 in Ajman.
He claims his signature was forged in the cheques which were used to purchase a trade licence a few years ago.
He was visited at the jail on Thursday by Ron Napao, from the assistance to the nationals office at the Philippine Consulate. After a court hearing, Isidoro was told he can get out of jail if he can produce someone who is willing to give to the court a passport as a 'kafala' or "sponsorship system"
But Isidoro has no relatives in the country. Napao said the consulate will request the court, through their lawyer, if Isidoro can be released on recognizance. The court is also waiting for the forensic result of Isidoro's specimen signature.
Meanwhile, Isidoro's family in the Philippines is in constant communication with the consulate. They missed celebrating Christmas and New Year with him. Now they're waiting for a quick resolution of his case.
Another unfortunate incident was that of Ana, an office worker in Dubai who was supposed to go home last month to undergo treatment for her thyroid cancer. She was also held at airport for a case filed against her four years ago.
Prior to her detention last month, she travelled to the Philippines at least twice last year and in 2015. Fortunately for her she stayed only for two days at Al Muraqqabat jail. But she had to leave her passport at the police station and will be able to get it only after paying her Dh20,000 loan.
Napao said he handles several cases of Filipino expats held in various jails in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The most common case is unpaid credit card bill and loan default.
Angel Tesorero
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