(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) An Indian fisherman, who has been stranded in the UAE for five months after being caught up in a rare case of mistaken identity, is finally free to return to his homeland.
Mathew Joseph from Kerala was held by the authorities when he landed at Sharjah International Airport on January 12 along with his brother-in-law, George Cyril, who lives in Sharjah. "Finally I've been cleared in the case by all departments. The long wait was really disturbing for me.... I'm happy I can fly home in a couple of days," Joseph told Khaleej Times after securing the final clearance letter from the immigration officials on Wednesday.
The 46-year-old man, who was on a visit, was arrested and put behind bars for three days after officials mistook him for another man with the same name, and close similarities in their parents' names, dates of birth, signatures and even in looks. The real culprit had fled the UAE in 2010 without paying Dh14,000 in credit card dues to a bank, following which a case was registered against him.
Joseph had to get his name cleared from all departments concerned including the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the local authorities comprising the police, public prosecution, court, and immigration.
Khaleej Times had first published a report on his plight to prove his innocence on April 2, following which the Consulate had issued a genuineness report certifying the passports of the fisherman and the other Joseph, whose passport was issued in Dubai in 2004.
Subsequently, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi had promised that all fines and charges that Joseph might incur would be borne by the mission. "We are thankful to the minister, the Consulate and the media, especially Khaleej Times for supporting us all these days," said Cyril who did the running around for his brother-in-law to get his release. He also thanked lawyer Hashik T.K. and the EMKE Group Chairman MA Yousaffali for their timely support.
Joseph said he was eagerly looking forward to seeing his wife and children back home. "All of us have gone through the most difficult time of our lives in these five months. I had to make my heart very strong and patiently wait for the legal procedures to be over. My family is also very happy to see me return soon. They have been so desperate."
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