Dubai, UAE; November 24, 2019:   As the UAE prepares to celebrate the 48th UAE National Day, philanthropist Firoz Merchant, Founder and Chairman of Pure Gold Group, has contributed to the release of 700 insolvent prisoners across the UAE.  Aligning with the spirit of tolerance, the various insolvent prisoners are from different nationalities and backgrounds and, this year they will get to celebrate the UAE National Day with their families in their country. The total amount being spent to help these insolvent prisoners is approximately AED 1 million and this will go towards various expenses like paying off their debts or airfare and transport to their homes in their countries of origin.

150 insolvent inmates are being released from Ajman Central Jail alone, and they belong to various nationalities including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cameron, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordon, Morocco, Oman, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and others.

H.E. Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, said: “I am very appreciative of this gesture from Pure Gold Group, for their sense of social responsibility towards those in our correctional institution, and their generous support to secure their return to their country. The support Pure Gold Group has given them enhances the spirit of solidarity and cohesion and helps integrate them back into society to build a new and dignified life. The provision of air tickets for them to be able to return home after the end of their sentences reflects the extent of partnership of private institutions with the mission and social goals of the Ministry of Interior, strengthening the spirit of cooperation in the field of humanitarian work to contribute to the advancement of philanthropic work.”

Other insolvent prisoners being released are from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah prisons, adding up to a total of 700 insolvent prisoners. 

H.E. Major General Mohammed Ahmed bin Ghanim Kaabi, Commander in Chief of Fujairah Police, said: “I applaud Pure Gold Group for their initiatives of corporate social responsibility and continuing cooperation with the correctional and penal institution in Fujairah.” 
160 prisoners from various nationalities were released from Fujairah correctional facility. 
Philanthropist Mr. Firoz Merchant says: “700 insolvent prisoners of more than 30 different nationalities will join in the spirit of the UAE National Day and the Year of Tolerance and they will celebrate the great occasion peacefully and happily back in their home country, reunited with their families. I am inspired by the message of tolerance initiated and led by UAE amongst the  world nations.

The UAE is home to people of various cultures and religions and the country has given hope and second chances to many. The insolvent prisoners being released are from different nationalities, regardless of their religion. I am humbled to be able to help these 700 insolvent prisoners who were unable to pay back their debts and tickets back home due to circumstances beyond them. This is the year of tolerance, so we are extending our support to them so that they can be reunited with their loved ones.”

The initiative is part of Pure Gold Group’s ‘Forgotten Society’ programme established in 2008 by philanthropist Firoz Merchant to help prisoners of debt. Since its inception, the initiative has  helped thousands of insolvent prisoners by paying off their debts or air tickets to reunite with their families.