Coronavirus: Indian couple flies home after spending days in Dubai parking lot

A non-profit organisation, Dubai authorities, and the Indian mission worked together to safely send the couple home.

Indian expat Pradeep Kumar and his pregnant wife Premalatha Palanivel - who had to spend days in a parking lot after losing their jobs - finally flew home on Sunday.
A non-profit organisation, Dubai authorities, and the Indian mission worked together to safely send the couple home. Hundreds of e-mails and phone calls also poured in from people who wished to help. Khaleej Times reported their plight on Thursday.
"I don't have words to express our sincere thanks to everyone who offered to help us. We took the support of PCT Humanity," Kumar said. "Three lives have been saved. Also, my wife's employer has come forward with a work-from-home option."
On Saturday, the couple received a phone call from the Consulate-General of India in Dubai so their plane tickets can be booked.
They flew to Kochi on Sunday afternoon, planning to be under home quarantine with relatives in the Kannur district of the south Indian state of Kerala.
PCT Humanity founder Joginder Singh Salaria, who is involved in several humanitarian works, appreciated the cooperation of all entities.
"We thank the Indian Consulate, the Dubai Police, local authorities and everyone involved in this repatriation. PCT Humanity continues to assist distressed people in this crisis situation," Salaria said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai