Ex-Gitmo detainee struggles for a business licence
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Isa Al Murbati is out of the dreaded Guantanamo Bay.
But he is a victim nonetheless – of red-tape now.
“I want to open a car washing shop in Isa Town or Riffa. I have no passport, no CPR which are required to obtain permission to start a business,” Al Murbati told the Tribune.
The former Bay detainee said his passport was confiscated when he was arrested in Pakistan. “ I want a new passport but there is no one guiding me how to go about it.
“I have visited government offices several times but they have not given a positive response. This has delayed my business venture.
Ex-Gitmo detainee struggles for a business licence
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Isa Al Murbati is out of the dreaded Guantanamo Bay.
But he is a victim nonetheless – of red-tape now.
“I want to open a car washing shop in Isa Town or Riffa. I have no passport, no CPR which are required to obtain permission to start a business,” Al Murbati told the Tribune.
The former Bay detainee said his passport was confiscated when he was arrested in Pakistan. “ I want a new passport but there is no one guiding me how to go about it.
“I have visited government offices several times but they have not given a positive response. This has delayed my business venture.
“They keep saying that they need my passport and I ask them to issue me one. I do not have any ID and that makes things more difficult,” the 42-year-old said.
After six gruelling years in Camp Delta, Al Murbati has reason to celebrate – he will will be with family during Ramadhan.
“I am looking forward to spending time with my family during the holy month. My health is fine and I am looking forward to starting a business during Ramadhan if I get permission,” he said.
About the rehabilitation course which all the former Bay detainees have to go through, Al Murbati said, “They have not informed me yet the schedule but I think it will be after Ramadhan.”
Deputy Shaikh Mohammed Khalid said, “We have top officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior who assured us that all former Bay detainees will be given counselling. They are all starting to lead normal lives. Al Murbati will soon open his shop while Salah Al Balooshi has started his perfume shop,” he said.
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper-
