An Indian expatriate stranded in Bahrain for more than 40 years has been repatriated thanks to the efforts of community groups and government officials.
Gopalan Chandran, who arrived in Bahrain in 1983 hoping to provide a better future for his family, had been living in the kingdom without valid documentation, after his employer died after a year of his arrival and his passport was lost.
Mr Chandran
The 67-year-old from a small village near Powdikonam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, arrived in Bahrain on August 16, 1983, filled with dreams and the hope of providing a better future for his family.
He was hired to work as a mason, but due to the unexpected circumstances ended up being undocumented and stranded for more than four decades in the kingdom doing odd jobs to survive, including paint work.
His case came to light after he was briefly detained in 2020 due to a residency violation.
The Pravasi Legal Cell Bahrain, headed by its president Sudheer Thirunilath, worked to solve Mr Chandran’s case with the Indian Embassy, Bahrain immigration authorities, the Interior Ministry and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
They assisted with proper travel documentation and provided temporary housing and food to Mr Chandran.
The Indian expat who suffers from health complications left the country yesterday and will be finally reunited with his 95-year-old mother, siblings and extended family in his home town after around 42 years apart.
“Gopalan’s return is not just a reunion; it is a symbol of hope, perseverance and the silent sacrifices of countless migrant workers,” said Mr Thirunilath.
“His story is a reminder of the importance of legal aid, compassion and cross-border collaboration in restoring lives.”
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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