An Indian businessman in the UAE has helped repatriate nearly 3,700 prisoners trapped in a legal limbo in the 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 the money to pay off the debts that led to their imprisonment, and could not afford the air ticket home. Firoz G. Merchant, 54, owner of the Pure Gold jewellery company, has spent about 3.7 million dirham ($1,000,000) to secure the 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 the 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 a 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 the men returned home in time for Ramadan, which starts in the UAE this year on July 10th. He told reporters: "Ramadan is the month for giving, so I want to put greater effort into getting these prisoners back to their own countries…and reunited with their families."