Difficult choices for Indians in Gulf as repatriation process begins
Tejas Jodi Lal from Kerala has been given priority over others to take the first flight back home as he has lost his job in the United Arab Emirates.
The company, which he was working with in Abu Dhabi, closed down and he was sent on unpaid leave.
"I don't have money to support myself here, so there is no choice but going back home," he said, while queuing up at the Abu Dhabi International Airport to board the Air India Express special repatriation flight to Kochi on Thursday.
While the flights to home, for which the priority list is being prepared by the Indian consulates and embassies across the Gulf region, are answering the prayers of someone like Lal, not everyone has been that lucky.
Prashant, who is a cleaner by profession, has also been laid off and he is now confused about what he should do next.
"I have to leave Dubai, but then I am not sure when I can. I didn't apply online to be allowed a flight seat because even if I land in India, I will be quarantined for two weeks. ...