Dubai repatriates hundreds of prisoners with free return tickets

Prison staff monitor inmates from a control room at Dubai Central Prison in these images from July 2020. A recent legal overhaul changes the way detention suspects are processed and treated, with police legally required to provide an able translator. Reem Mohammed / The National

Investigating officers must ensure charges are clearly communicated to a suspect and his translator. Both judges and defence lawyers said the long-awaited changes were a major development. Reem Mohammed / The National

A prison staff officer sits behind glass at the main visitor reception. Suspects have the right to remain silent without the presumption that doing so is a sign of guilt. Reem Mohammed / The National

Two inmates play table tennis in the prison's recreation area, in this series of photos shot in July 2020 to look at how the pandemic affected prison life. Reem Mohammed / The National

The large plant nursery in the prison compound is part of the recreation facilities. Reem Mohammed / The National

Gym equipment is sanitised between uses. Reem Mohammed / The National

Inmates read at the prison library. Reem Mohammed / The National

A new medical centre was constructed on the prison grounds to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Reem Mohammed / The National

The large facility is fully staffed with doctors and nurses, ensuring inmates do not have to leave the prison for treatment or tests. Reem Mohammed / The National

Staff at the eye clinic speak to an inmate. Reem Mohammed / The National

Nurses wheel medication between buildings in the prison compound. Reem Mohammed / The National

Bayan Kimamao, a nursing supervisor, gives The National a tour of the new clinic. Reem Mohammed / The National

Regular classes are held for inmates. Reem Mohammed / The National

An inmate speaks to his wife via a video call. Reem Mohammed / The National

Hundreds of prisoners in Dubai have returned to their home countries after local authorities stepped up to pay for their tickets.

Dubai Prisons, along with charities and philanthropists, spent more than Dh1.4m to help repatriate 1,145 prisoners.

The gesture is a part of the ‘Your Return Is A Duty’ initiative organised by Dubai Police’s general department of punitive and correctional institutions.

The prisoners completed their jail terms but could not afford to buy their return tickets.

“The department, in collaboration with partners including charities and philanthropists, has managed to provide tickets worth Dh1,479,010 for 1,145 inmates [males and females] during the first half of this year,” said Brig Ali Al Shamali, director of the punitive and correctional institutions at Dubai police.

The initiative aims to reunite prisoners with their families and ensure their safety, he said.

“Other various annual humanitarian initiatives, organised by the department to help inmates and their families, include sponsoring tuition fees, residential charges, medical equipment, and blood money, as well as providing food assistance and distributing Eid clothes and school bags,” Brig Al Shamali said.