An official team from Andhra Pradesh has reached an understanding with the Air India management in the UAE for arranging a dedicated flight to bring people from the State overstaying in that country beyond the permitted Visa period.
The team, headed by N.V. Ramana Reddy, Special Secretary, NRI Affairs, and comprising K. Srikar Reddy, Regional Passport Officer, and two other officials, held discussions with UAE officials in Dubai on Friday to facilitate the early return of those given “amnesty” by the government of that country.
Following the meeting, which was also attended by embassy officials, an official said that “free air tickets” were issued to as many as 26 eligible persons who were granted amnesty, and out of them, 20 were being brought back to Hyderabad by Air-India flight on Saturday.
He said the dedicated flight meant exclusively for returnees would be operated on Sunday or Monday.
Nearly 250 eligible people have already arrived here at their own cost or following the offer of free tickets by donors. Over 18,000 people from the State are believed to be living in the UAE. The amnesty scheme may finally benefit over 1,000 people, the official said.
