Victim of visa fraud? Indian gunned down at Israel-Jordan border
What's the story
Jordanian soldiers shot dead a 47-year-old man from Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, Thomas Gabriel Pereira, on February 10 when he tried to illegally cross into Israel. Pereira was among a group of four who were allegedly misled by an agency offering Israeli work visas. Instead, they were given Jordanian tourist visas and tried to cross the border via a mountainous valley. The Indian Embassy in Jordan informed Pereira's family about his death through an email.
Family reaction
Deceased's family learns of tragic incident
Edison, a relative and fellow group member who was sent back to India after receiving medical treatment for a leg injury, confirmed the incident. The e-mail stated that Gabriel and Edison were trying to cross the Jordan border illegally at Karak district. "The security forces tried to stop them but they did not listen to the warning, the guards opened fire on them. One bullet hit Thomas in his head and he passed away at the spot," the email said.
Fraudulent practices
Visa fraud: A growing concern
Agnes Henry, another relative, said the family was distraught: "We have no clue who took them to Jordan and how much money was paid." Norka Roots, a Kerala government agency for expatriates, which was contacted by the victim's family, said many have fallen victim to visa agency fraud. "Many from coastal villages were misled into joining the Russian army under false job promises, and fight the war in Ukraine. Police must take action to raise awareness," CEO Ajith Kolassery said.
Repatriation process
Efforts to repatriate Pereira's body underway
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Jordan is in touch with local authorities to bring Pereira's body back to India. Another relative of Gabriel told reporters that the last time Pereira called them was on February 9. "He said they were safe in the place where they stayed. He dropped the call suddenly. After that, we have never been able to speak to him," he was quoted as saying by HT.