For many expatriate workers, life-threatening road accident is one of the most harrowing experiences they can face. Unfortunately, Izhar Ansari is one such victim. He suffered severe injuries, including a broken hip and fractures in both legs, in a tragic road accident.
If not for a group of good-hearted people, Izhar Ansari, a native of Gopalganj district in Bihar, would have struggled to clear a huge financial burden of approx. 60400 Saudi Riyals (around 15 lakh Indian rupee). His situation improved significantly when social worker Rafique Ahmad shared an appeal on his social media platform with nearly one lakh followers. Thanks to his dedicated efforts, the required amount was raised within just a few days.
Izhar’s ordeal began in 2020, when the accident changed his life forever. Since then, he has been stranded in Batha, a bustling and historic commercial district in downtown Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. He has been living in extremely difficult conditions—ones no human being should have to endure. The accident left both his legs fractured and his hip broken. During surgery, doctors had to insert an iron rod into one of his legs. According to medical reports, he required long-term treatment and complete bed rest for recovery. The physical pain, along with isolation and uncertainty, led to severe mental stress, even causing suicidal thoughts at times.
While he was trying to recover, another tragedy struck—his sponsor passed away. Under Saudi law, a worker needs a sponsor to legally stay in the country. Without a sponsor, Izhar could not renew his Iqama (residence permit), making him an illegal resident.
His financial condition worsened further as hospital bills rose to nearly 180,000 Saudi Riyals. At this critical stage, social worker Shihab, a native of Kerala, took the initiative to help. Through his sincere dedication and tireless efforts, he managed to negotiate and secure a waiver of approximately 120,000 Riyals from the hospital. His early intervention laid the foundation for Izhar’s eventual relief. However, a remaining balance of around 60,000 Riyals still stood as a major obstacle. Due to this unpaid amount and other legal issues, a court case was filed against Izhar, preventing him from obtaining a final exit visa. Until the dues are cleared, he cannot obtain a final exit visa and return to India.
Another key figure in this humanitarian effort was Dr. Idris, CEO of Shifa Clinic and Ambulance Service. He played a prominent role in raising the issue with legal and charitable organizations (NGOs), helping coordinate support and bring wider attention to Izhar’s plight.
Over the years, Izhar Ansari survived by doing small, irregular jobs. Back in India, he has two daughters. When he left for Saudi Arabia, his first daughter was just two years old, and his wife was expecting their second child. For eight long years, he has neither seen nor spoken to his daughters. Every night, he goes to sleep hoping that one day he will be able to hold them again.
His family in India continues to suffer both emotionally and financially, making his situation even more painful.
In the midst of all this hardship, one person stepped forward to help—Rafique Ahmad, a social worker hailing from Siwan district of Bihar. For social service spanning more than five years, he has been helping people in need. He currently works as an EHS professional in a consulting company in Riyadh.
Speaking to Millat Times from Saudi capital Riyadh, Rafique said he felt happy to see people respond positively to his social media appeal. According to him, this shows that the Indian community abroad truly cares for fellow Indians in distress.
He told Millat Times that he personally visited Izhar, verified his entire medical documents and confirmed that his case was genuine. “I spoke with local authorities, coordinated with other social workers, and even consulted legal experts and NGOs to find a solution. I worked tirelessly to help him come out of this difficult situation,” he said.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of Shihab, Dr. Idris and many generous donors, Izhar Ansari has finally received a “white passport” (Emergency Certificate — one way travel document is specifically designed to facilitate the return of illegal expats or residency law violators to India). He is now set to return to India soon—ending years of suffering and bringing hope for a new beginning”, Rafique told Millat Times.
“As long as I am alive, I want to help people in need as much as I can. I want to see smiles—that is my motto and my reward,” he added with a smile.
Md Irshad Ayub is an English editor at millat times and Delhi-based freelance journalist.