Surat: Around 60 Indian nationals deported by the United Arab Emirates arrived at Surat International Airport from Dubai on Wednesday aboard an Air India Express flight.The deportees travelled on Air India Express flight IX-274 after the Indian Embassy in Dubai facilitated their return by issuing emergency certificates or temporary passports. According to sources, all were deported for allegedly violating local laws and regulations in the UAE.Most of the deportees travelled to the UAE over the past few years in search of employment and were working as labourers. The majority hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab, while a few were from southern states.Sources said the UAE authorities retained the deportees’ original passports, mobile phones and other personal belongings before sending them back to India.After landing at Surat airport, immigration officials carried out identity verification and completed the mandatory formalities before allowing the passengers to leave the airport around 6 pm.With no money or personal belongings, many of the deportees sought assistance from relatives and friends to continue their journey to their home states. Members of the Surat Taxi Association also extended help by pooling money to arrange transport for some of the passengers.
