Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah
Sharjah, Feb 23: Nearly two years after leaving her home in Arimpur in Kerala’s Thrissur district in search of employment in the United Arab Emirates, a 37-year-old woman has returned safely to India following her detention in Sharjah over visa violations.
She had travelled to Sharjah on a housemaid visa after paying a substantial amount to a recruitment agent who promised her steady work. For close to two years, she remained employed under the arrangement. Trouble began when her visa expired and she was unable to renew it. According to UAE-based Yab Legal Services, the agent allegedly demanded an additional AED 9,000 (approximately ?2.2 lakh) to process the renewal — a sum she could not afford.
As her immigration status lapsed, her sponsor filed an absconding complaint against her with UAE authorities, a serious charge that can lead to detention and deportation. The issue came to light when local police stopped her at a supermarket in Sharjah and detained her based on the complaint.
Back in Kerala, her family grew anxious after losing contact with her and eventually reported her missing. The matter drew the attention of Manalur MLA Murali Perunelli, who reached out to Salam Pappinisseri, CEO of Yab Legal Services, seeking urgent assistance.
The legal firm moved swiftly, coordinating with UAE authorities to address the complaint and regularise the situation. Within two days, necessary procedures were completed, an outpass was secured, and arrangements were made for her return to India. Her arrival in Kerala brought immense relief to her family and local community after days of distress.
The episode comes amid stricter enforcement of visa regulations in the UAE, particularly following the conclusion of recent amnesty programmes that had allowed overstayers to leave without penalties. In the first half of 2025 alone, authorities reportedly identified more than 32,000 visa violators as part of intensified immigration checks.
Under UAE law, individuals who overstay without renewing their visas or exiting the country risk fines, detention, deportation, and possible blacklisting. In many such cases, timely legal intervention, support from local representatives, or assistance from community networks can play a crucial role in resolving matters and preventing long-term consequences.