It is rather amazing how fate plays a role in the lives of different people. Everything bad may, perhaps, turn out to be good, eventually. At least that was the case of Indian expat, Zainul Abdeen, who was caught by the police and was taken to the deportation center for not possessing an Iqama (residence permit). Abdeen has, in fact, been an illegal resident for the past 12 years as a result of his sponsor's refusal to renew his Iqama. He lived next to his sponsor's residence and engaged in petty jobs to support himself and to sustain his family back home. During his long illegal stay here, Abdeen fell ill several times but was unable to go to hospital or receive medical aid because he did not have an Iqama. Two months ago, when he was caught by Passport Department officials, his health was not good and his condition deteriorated after he was taken to the deportation center. An Indian expat welfare worker who visited the deportation center noticed Abdeen's condition and reported his case to the officials, and with the help of the head of the deportation center, Capt. Naser Mubarak Al-Dossary and other officials, Abdeen was immediately taken to Dammam Medical Complex, where he was diagnosed with a severe lung infection. With expert treatment and care from the hospital, after one month and twelve days, Abdeen completely recovered from his otherwise fatal illness and is now waiting for travel documents from the Indian Embassy to enable him to return to India. He hopes to soon meet his wife and two children after 12 years of expat life. He is thankful to Almighty Allah and to the deportation center officials for literally saving his life.
