Blitz Bureau
After nearly 40 years away from home and facing significant health challenges, 85-year-old Rashid Anwar Dhar finally flew to Kashmir for a happy reunion with his family.
Doctor turned businessman, Dhar was found abandoned in front of the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS) office in January last year. The IAS then perused his case. Unable to provide detailed personal information when first contacted, Dhar’s case presented unique challenges to consular officials. Through persistent efforts, the Indian Consulate at Dubai coordinated with authorities in Jammu & Kashmir to trace Dhar’s family and confirm his identity. Meanwhile, medical staff at Dubai’s Rashid Hospital worked to stabilise his condition for the journey home.
“Every case is unique, but Dhar’s situation really touched our hearts,” said a social worker involved in the case. “Imagining someone his age, so far from home for so many years, we were determined to help him reconnect with his roots.” The repatriation effort required seamless coordination between multiple departments of the Indian Mission, including the medical desk, consular wing, and passport section, all working diligently to verify his nationality and process essential travel documents.
The Indian Association Sharjah stepped in to provide temporary accommodation, meals, and ongoing medical support. Recognising Dhar’s fragile condition, they arranged not only his air tickets but also an escort to accompany him on his journey back to Srinagar.
As Dhar returns to India, he carries with him decades of untold stories and experiences from his time abroad. For his waiting family in Srinagar, his return represents the closing of a chapter that has remained open for nearly four decades.
The Consulate General of India in Dubai continues to emphasise the importance of maintaining valid documentation for all Indian expatriates in the UAE, urging them to keep their residency status legal to avoid similar difficulties.
