90% of Indian prisoners prefer to stay in UAE jails

(Representational image)

 It's the media that is more interested in the transfer of prisoners to India than the prisoners themselves, said Indian Ambassador to the UAE T. P. Seetharam with a laugh, when asked about delays in implementing the prisoner transfer agreement. Only 10 per cent of the 1,200 Indian prisoners lodged in UAE jails want to serve out their terms in prisons back home, he said.
''We have received five names from the UAE authorities so far and modalities are being worked out. It will happen soon, but when, I cannot tell,'' explained the envoy.
Prisoners who seek a transfer should have a minimum six months left in their jail terms. No cases should be pending against them. Airfare for these convicts will be borne by the repatriating country under the deal.
That's only one aspect of the issue, which is further complicated by the fact that Indian prisons are crowded and authorities are finding it hard to accommodate prisoners from here.
Indian prisoners in the UAE can avail of this facility and seek a transfer. Many convicts, however, prefer the comfort of UAE prisons.
Under the agreement signed in 2011 by the two countries and ratified in 2013 by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, these convicts can complete the rest of their terms in prisons near their homes in India where their families can meet them.
Officials from both countries have held several meetings on the issue and full details are awaited from the UAE side, said the ambassador.
"In comparison with prisons in India, UAE prisons are well-regulated and managed, and offer better living standards, hygienic conditions, quality of food, infrastructure and environment. Due to these reasons, Indian prisoners serving jail terms in the UAE are generally not desirous to seek a transfer to Indian prisons to serve their jail term unless they have other personal reasons,'' said Ashish Mehta, Managing Partner, Ashish Mehta and Associates.
allan@khaleejtimes.com