Indian Mother and Kids Finally Return Home After Two-Year Document Struggle in Bahrain

An Indian mother, Arunima Baby Karimbadam Kuniyil, and her two children, Griva Mariyam and Zyan Muhammad, returned to Kochi from Bahrain on September 17, 2026, following a two-year struggle with legal and documentation hurdles. The family had been stranded due to issues concerning birth records, passports, and residency formalities.

In March 2026, the family sought assistance from the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC) Bahrain Chapter, led by President Sudheer Thirunilath and General Secretary Dr. Rithin Raj, while panel lawyer Adv. Tariq Alown represented them in court. A favorable court order eventually cleared the path for necessary documentation.

Financial Support and Medical Bills

The family also faced financial challenges, including a debt of 597 Bahraini Dinar (BD) at Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre. The hospital management provided a 70 percent reduction, leaving a balance of approximately BD180. These payments allowed the family to secure birth records from Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre and Salmaniya Hospital, which were essential for immigration and passport processing.

The family received support from the Indian Embassy, Bahrain immigration authorities, community members, and their landlord, who permitted them to stay for 10 months without rent during the process.

Indian Embassy Rules for Newborns

The Embassy of India, Bahrain advises that newborn birth registration must occur within one year of birth to certify Indian nationality. Necessary documents include an online application, an original birth certificate attested by the Bahrain Ministry of Health, passport-size photos, parents' passports, valid visas, marriage certificates, and an affidavit regarding the child's name. If a parent is a foreign national, an attested No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required. Delays beyond one year necessitate a personal appearance at the Embassy to provide a written explanation. The first Indian passport for a newborn is valid for five years.

Emergency Contacts and Office Hours

For emergencies, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain maintains a 24x7 number at +973 39418071 and a community welfare line at +973 17180529. The Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Bahrain Mall, Sanabis, operates from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a contact number of +973 66633311.