Visa expiry: More trouble for Tamil Nadu fishermen jailed in Iran

The incident happened on October 23 when 15 fishermen, including eight from Kanniyakumari and seven from Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, who were working for a company in Dubai, were detained by the Iranian Navy on charges of entering its territorial waters. They were detained at Kish Island in Iran. However, as one of the fishermen, Craslin from Thoothukudi, fell ill, he was released by the Iranian government and reached India recently. 

Meanwhile, the visa of seven fishermen had expired and so they are at risk of getting arrested. Speaking to DT NEXT, Justin Antony, founding president, International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET), said their sponsor is trying to bring them to Dubai. As their visa has expired, they would be arrested once they land in Dubai. If they are lodged in a Dubai prison, it would be difficult to secure their release. Also, the Iranian officials had seized the passport of two of the fishermen and if they go to Dubai they will also be arrested. One of the fishermen is reportedly a newcomer and does not have a passport, said Justin Antony. 

Under the circumstances, if the fishermen are allowed to go back to Dubai there are chances that they will not return. So, the Union government should take all steps to bring back the 14 fishermen from Iran to India, urged Justin Antony.