2012 outlook for Indians in the UAE

The outlook for the UAE's Indian community in 2012.

A prisoner transfer agreement signed between India and the UAE is to be ratified soon, after which Indian prisoners can return to their native states to complete their sentences. The deal was signed by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Minister of Interior, and the Indian home minister P Chidambaram in November. About 1,200 Indians are currently in UAE jails.
In Sharjah, a new crematorium for Hindus and Sikhs will be built on nearly 10 acres of land, which was gifted to the Sharjah Indian Association by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Ruler of Sharjah. Funeral land in the emirate has been a long-standing request of the Indian Hindu community, many of whom prefer to cremate their dead in the UAE rather than pay to fly their bodies home.
The crematorium is being built at a cost of more than Dh9.5 million with funds from the Indian association and community members. It should be ready for use by year's end.