An Indian businessman in the United Arab Emirates has helped repatriate nearly 3,700 prisoners in UAE jails. The prisoners are from various Muslim nations. They had all finished their prison sentences but lacked the money to pay off the debts that put them in prison. They could also not afford the air ticket home. Firoz G. Merchant, 54, owner of the Pure Gold jewellery company, has spent about $1,000,000 to free the prisoners. He plans to help another 1,000 inmates later this year. Mr Merchant said he only helps people who were sentenced over unpaid debts.

Do-gooder Mr Merchant said the UAE's economic downturn in 2010 motivated him. Thousands of construction workers lost their jobs and had many debts 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 he wanted the men to return home in time for Ramadan. 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."