Indian prisoners in UAE, too ashamed to go back home

Indian prisoners lodged in UAE jails would be grateful if allowed to serve their sentences back home - but not all.
Last month, the UAE ratified an extradition treaty facilitating the transfer of prisoners between the Gulf state and India.
The treaty will provide convicted citizens of both nations who have been sentenced for their crimes the opportunity to spend the duration of their sentences in their home countries.
But, those jailed for "immoral" crimes, such as trafficking women and forcing them into prostitution, fear the shame of going back, The National daily reported.
"People caught for immoral activities will not want to show their faces at home," said one prisoner identified only as BA, who is serving 10 years for murder and hopes to serve his remaining three years in India.

"For people involved in that business, it will be difficult to go back because there is too much shame. But I know at least 200 people in for murder and all of us want to go back. I never have money to talk to my family - if I get transferred at least I can see them even if it will upset my children to see me as a prisoner," BA said.

Another inmate KB, 37, has been in jail since 2009 and has 10 years left to serve.
"We have been told that if we are eligible, we can return in the next three months," he said. "The agreement was signed in 2011. I hope it doesn't get delayed any more."

Rashmi, the wife of an Indian carpenter convicted for causing a road accident while drunk, said the family had been praying for his transfer since he was jailed a year ago.
"All we can think of is that he will be in our country," she said, adding, "First the family thought that it was better he was in Dubai because the neighbours would talk. But what more can people say? I don't care what people think any more. He committed a crime and is paying for it."
"Inmates began calling us as soon as they heard the news," said B Gopakumar, the joint secretary of the Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association, which assists about 40 Indian inmates in RAK Central Prison.

"They all want to know when they will go back. Of the 40, only some will get the transfer benefit, but most will apply for it." he said.
Indian authorities believe there are up to 1,200 Indian citizens in UAE prisons for crimes including murder, drugs and other offences such as drinking and selling alcohol.