Debt leaves UAE expat dad living on a roof

An Indian man has been living on the edge in an Umm Al Quwain villa for the last few months. Even as the scorching summer heat builds up each day, he struggles to survive without air-conditioner, electricity, water supply and gas connection.

The sole breadwinner of his family, Kumaran's passport is held by his former employer who has not paid him salary for the last 17 months. He has a Rs 2 million (Dh130,000 ) bank loan back home and two school-going daughters.

Kumaran, who ran a sub-contracting firm, shared the villa with 36 other Bangladeshis who have all moved out. He stays put there because he has absolutely no means to support himself.

He failed to pay the rent for the last six months and so the villa owner took the drastic step of disconnecting utility services. He, in turn, blames his employer who has not paid him salary for the last 17 months.

Describing his condition, Kumaran said: "I cannot stay at home during the day because of increasing heat. Neither can I step out confidently because my visa has expired and my passport is retained with my employer. I spend time under trees and sleep on the terrace at nights.

We were paid Dh7 per hour, while the labour supply company owner made Dh25 per hour from the companies that used my service."

Salim Noor, a volunteer from Youth India - a social organisation helping distressed Indians, said: "The men have been living in depressing conditions without water or electricity. They have made an adhoc kitchen and use firewood to cook meals. They sleep on the rooftop."

Noor added that Kumaran's employers are not answering calls and urged people to come forward to help him as he has Rs2 million loan back home.

He had taken the Rs1.5m loan to pay visa agents and come to UAE. That loan has now swelled to Rs2m. He has no debt, however, in the UAE. His wife is trying her best to repay the amount by doing odd jobs. He needs to support his two daughters who are studying.

Kumaran intents to continue staying in the UAE with the hope of getting his backlog salary.

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