Riyadh/Dammam: After enduring a prolonged six-year legal ordeal, 58-year-old expatriate Joseph Cardoza has finally been cleared of all allegations, with authorities lifting the travel ban imposed on him, bringing an emotional and long-awaited closure to his case.
Originally from Moodabidri in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, Joseph Cardoza had been working as a vehicle mechanic for a port company in Dammam for several years.
His life took an unexpected turn nearly six years ago when he received a call from police alleging his involvement in a financial extortion attempt, which he was totally unaware & guilt-free.
He was summoned to the police station in Aziziyah, Riyadh, where he cooperated fully and was detained for three days before being released following initial investigations. Despite resuming work, his troubles persisted when his port access pass renewal was denied, eventually revealing that a travel ban had been imposed on him.
This restriction left him stranded in Saudi Arabia since 2020, unable to return home despite multiple attempts by his company to process his exit & re-entry visa. Over the years, he was called for 2-3 times for further questioning by Niyabah (Public Prosecution agency) prolonging uncertainty and distress.
In his pursuit of justice, Joseph sought the assistance of Dr. & Adv. P. A.Hameed Padubidri, a Udupi based pro-bono lawyer and social worker based in Riyadh. With his consistent legal guidance and support, including coordination with the employer, the case steadily progressed.
During a recent appearance before the Niyabah, Joseph was advised to remain consistent and truthful in his statements, a strategy that ultimately proved decisive. Shortly thereafter, he received official confirmation, on April 20, that the travel ban has been lifted, clearing him from all allegations.
Expressing relief and gratitude, Joseph said:
“I remained patient and very confident throughout, knowing I was innocent. I believed that truth would prevail, and today, I stand vindicated. I am fully thankful to God”.
He extended heartfelt thanks to his company for their great cooperation & efforts. He expressed his immense thanks to social worker & lawyer, Dr. P.A.Hameed for his all-out & unwavering support & help during his predicament. He also expressed his gratitudes to Nelson D’Souza and Francis Kundapura, social workers in Riyadh for their assistance & moral support during his difficult journey.
With the legal hurdle now behind him, his company is in the process of arranging his exit re-entry visa, allowing him to finally return home after years of uncertainty.
.jpg)
.jpg)