Hundreds of Indian healthcare professionals, predominantly nurses from Kerala, are confronting an uncertain future in the United Arab Emirates following the abrupt closure of Dubai's Iranian Hospital. The situation has prompted Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention and describing the plight as a humanitarian concern affecting Indian citizens abroad.
Visa and Residency Challenges
The affected workers are reportedly grappling with significant difficulties related to employment visas, dependent visas, and residency status after losing their jobs. Many fear being compelled to leave the UAE despite having dedicated years of service to the Gulf healthcare sector, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The sudden closure has left hundreds of families in a state of limbo, uncertain about their legal status and future prospects in the country.
Kerala Government's Appeal
The Kerala government has urged the central government to engage with UAE authorities through diplomatic channels to secure a fair and compassionate resolution for the affected healthcare workers and their families. Chief Minister Satheesan emphasized the need for a humanitarian approach, highlighting the contributions of these nurses to the UAE's healthcare system, especially during the pandemic. The state government is also exploring legal and consular support to assist the stranded workers.
The closure of the Iranian Hospital, which served a significant expatriate community, has created a vacuum in healthcare services and left many employees jobless. The nurses, many of whom have worked in the UAE for over a decade, now face the prospect of deportation if their visa issues are not resolved promptly. The Kerala government has called for a temporary extension of visas and residency permits to allow the workers time to find alternative employment or make necessary arrangements.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai have been alerted to the situation and are reportedly working to facilitate communication with UAE authorities. However, the affected nurses have expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidance and support, as they navigate complex bureaucracy and financial strain.
The crisis underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Indian expatriate workers in the Gulf region, where sudden policy changes or business closures can have severe repercussions. The Kerala government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens abroad and has called for a comprehensive policy to address such emergencies in the future.
