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Indian businessman in UAE has helped repatriate nearly 3,700 prisoners trapped in legal limbo in United Arab Emirates. The ex-prisoners are from various nations including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. They had all served their sentences but remained in UAE jails because they lacked money to pay off debts that led to their imprisonment, and could not afford air ticket home. Firoz G. Merchant, 54, owner of Pure Gold jewellery company, has spent about 3.7 million dirham ($1,000,000) to secure prisoners' release. He plans to help out another 1,000 inmates later this year. Mr Merchant said he only helps people who were sentenced over unpaid debts.

Philanthropist Mr Merchant said he was inspired to start helping release prisoners following UAE's economic downturn in 2010. Thousands of construction workers were laid off and were left saddled with debt from education loans, credit cards and unpaid housing rent. He recalled: "There were lot of people behind bars, especially labourers….It opened my eyes that this is my duty." He added that it was important for him to ensure men returned home in time for Ramadan, which starts in UAE this year on July 10th. He told reporters: "Ramadan is month for giving, so I want to put greater effort into getting these prisoners back to their own countries...and reunited with their families."