Thrissur man stuck in Yemen for 10 years returns to Kerala

A 49-year-old Thrissur native, Dinesh, who was stranded in Yemen for over a decade, reached Kerala on Wednesday.  Dinesh, who hails from Edakkulam, Irinjalakuda, went to Yemen in search of a job in 2014 but got stuck there due to the conflict in Yemen. 

He had entrusted his passport with the sponsor and he was unable to return home. Over the years, he faced severe hardships in Yemen, while his family back home plunged into financial crisis. Their house was mortgaged, and his wife Anitha and children were left in a state of despair. 

Despite numerous efforts by his family and friends to bring him back, their appeals went unanswered. Eventually, the matter reached Vipin Paramekkatil, a local activist, through Unni Poomangalam. Vipin coordinated with the Indian Embassy and the Prime Minister's Office, raising a substantial amount for Dinesh's repatriation. The efforts were also supported by Shiju Joseph and Samuel Jerome from Kottayam, who played a crucial role in facilitating his return. 

After completing the necessary legal procedures, Dinesh boarded a flight from Yemen to India. He has two children; 10-year-old Sai Krishna and 12-year-old Krishna Veni. He told Manorama News that he went through a lot of struggle in Yemen. "It was hard to find a job. I met with people and talked to contractors who would work for them for a month or so. They paid me daily wages from which I would send a portion home, no matter how small it was. Once I got to know that people back home were trying to help me, I was relieved," he said.