THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jordanian border guards shot dead 47-year-old autorickshaw driver Thomas Gabriel Pereira from Kerala while attempting to illegally cross into Israel from the kingdom last month. He was part of a four-member group that had travelled to Jordan on three-month tourist visas, misled by an agency promising Israeli work visas.
Pereira’s family in Thiruvananthapuram district found out his death after Edison, a 43-year-old relative who was also part of the group, was recently deported by Jordan following medical treatment for a leg wound suffered in the shooting. The other two members remain in a Jordanian prison.
According to reports, Indian embassy in Jordan informed Pereira’s family about his death through an email, but the message went unchecked for long. His family has now approached Norka Roots, a Kerala govt agency for expatriates, seeking help in repatriating his body.
Pereira and Edison, both autorickshaw drivers, had not disclosed their true intentions before their departure. Their families were informed only hours before their journey to Jordan on Feb 5. The two remained in contact until Feb 9, after which they attempted to cross into Israel through a mountainous valley on Feb 10. Jordanian soldiers spotted and opened fire on them.
Their relative Agnes Henry expressed the family’s distress. “We have no clue who took them to Jordan and how much money was paid. Please help get at least his body back,” she said.
The case has raised concerns over illegal migration and fraudulent visa agencies.
“Many have fallen victim to visa agency fraud. Recently, 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 and prevent such scams,” Norka Roots CEO Ajith Kolassery said.