Abu Dhabi opens new tent for amnesty seekers

Amnesty seekers stand in queue outside Shahama centre in Abu Dhabi.- Supplied photo

Despite sweltering heat, there has been a huge turnout of amnesty-seekers at the immigration centres in Abu Dhabi since August 1. To handle the massive rush and offer respite from the hot weather to the applicants standing in long queues, Shahama centre has opened another tent.
Ahmad V, an amnesty-seeker, hailed opening of the additional tent and said it will protect them from the blazing sun.
"Now the queue will move faster. I had already done few rounds of this centre." He said he had overstayed and now needed to return with an outpass. "It is so hot and right from the morning, the queue has been very long. There is no shelter outside, which makes it extremely difficult for us. For the last two days, I had to wait for more than two hours to get inside but couldn't," Ahmad said, while waiting in the line.
A Pakistani expat, Nayeem Nazir, said he has an absconder case against him and was trying his luck at the centre.
"I used to work at a small shop but wasn't paid for months and left that job. My friend, who works there, had told me that I had a case against me. So I am here since Monday. There are hundreds of people here. I never expected such a big crowd, but am hopeful I will get an outpass. Opening of the second tent is a generous move," Nazir said.
Amnesty-seekers have complained about lack of information and awareness.
Abdul Faizal, another applicant, had to return back after standing in the queue for over four hours.
"I was told to go to BLS International Services. Those without passports shouldn't come to Shahama centre. We have to first go to BLS centre and get paperwork done," Faizal added.
Members of community associations are playing a crucial role in helping amnesty-seekers. Indian Islamic Centre (IIC) and Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Abu Dhabi have been at the forefront in rendering their services.
"There is lack of awareness. Majority of people should not have come here at all. Only those with passport and those who need outpass should come to Shahama. Those without passport should go to BLS International Centre. People with other cases should go to Tasheel centres. status quo may change in the coming days," said KMCC Abu Dhabi secretary Ashraf Ponnani.
He said members of KMCC and IIC are also offering water, juice and snacks to people waiting in the queue. "One lady was so tired that she couldn't even hold onto the bottle of water properly," Ponnani added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com