The rest came on leave or employers sponsored return for security (mostly from Malaysia).
Ashraf, 25, from Qatar, in the interview, said, "For a few days I did not eat. It was Eid day.
Although it was a lockdown situation, I went out to a nearby place in the hope that people
may give me some food. When police came, all others ran away. I was arrested as they thought
me a tea stall owner."
None of those who have been arbitrarily sent back was in detention before. They were picked
up from stores and roads, according to the findings.
On an average, the interviewees were detained or jailed for 20 days.
A section of them experienced proper treatment in detention camps, and the rest narrated
inhuman treatment.
Many were subjected to beating. Two-three people shared a bed. Inadequate and low-quality
food was provided.
Most had to stay in one pair of clothes for days. Toilet and shower facilities were extremely
inadequate. For instance, a diabetic person did not receive medication.
Those who have been forcibly sent back home have gone through trauma and been subjected
to mistreatment.
These migrants were shifted from the detention centres/jails to airports. Hence, they could not
bring back their belongings (money and other items) that remained in the camps/dormitories.
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