Fearing imprisonment in Saudi Arabia, a father and son, who tried to return to Kerala on fake passports, were detained on Wednesday morning at Kochi international airport. Sasi, 53 of Paralam (Thrissur) and his son Akhil, 25 were caught by the Immigration department as they were found to possess fake passports.
They were running a tailoring shop at Riyadh. When the Nitaqat law was enforced which prevented another extension, the sponsor demanded a huge amount for extending the visa. The police said, quoting the father, that they were not able to collect the dues and credit amounts as they had to leave the place in a hurry. They had taken some private loans for running the shop.
They said that when the creditors threatened them with legal petitions they decided to get fake passports and leave the place than get convicted at Saudi court. Their legal passports were known to be in the custody of the sponsor who would not budge if the money is not paid.They would be put on hold until enquiries are completed.