Bahrain: ‘Travel ban expats’ being swindled through frauds

Bahrain: ‘Travel ban expats’ being swindled through frauds

A group of fraudsters are allegedly approaching expatriates under travel ban promising ‘journey to their home countries’ in return for thousands of Bahraini dinars. Sources say many ‘travel ban expats’ have been already defrauded by these fraudsters, making them pay hundreds of dinars to facilitate boarding flights home.

There are hundreds of expatriates stranded in Bahrain after being caught in legal issues mainly involving financial mishandling.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, an expatriate currently under travel ban, who doesn’t want to be named for security reasons, said he was approached by a group demanding BD3,000 for the safe exit.

“I was once a successful businessman in the Kingdom. With the beginning of pandemic days, about two-and-a-half years ago, my business enterprises started collapsing. The debts started running high and cases filed by creditors, including banks and loan sharks, started to pile up. “Subsequently, I was put under a travel ban by the legal authorities here. I have to raise nearly BD40,000 to leave the country.” The man said a group approached him saying that it is impossible to raise BD40,000 under the present conditions and hence pay them BD3,000, “which will ensure a safe journey back home”.

“I don’t believe these people. Upon enquiry,