Simon Ferguson, a 64-year-old British grandfather from North Wales, has been living in the United Arab Emirates for approximately 20 years. He is now facing homelessness as his temporary accommodation is set to end on August 20, with no clear prospects for his next steps.
Ferguson, an aviation consultant, stated that a combination of health problems, including a stomach ulcer and a life-threatening pulmonary thrombosis, has severely impacted his ability to work. The illness led to hospitalization and significant medical bills, depleting his savings. His situation worsened when his visa expired, and his passport was seized in connection with company debts. Without his passport, he cannot obtain a new visa, which prevents him from opening a bank account or legally working in the UAE.
He currently owes around 900,000 dirhams, approximately £250,000, to about 15 creditors. Ferguson is unable to generate income to address these debts, describing a difficult cycle of financial dependency. His daughter is managing a GoFundMe campaign, with donations being sent to friends in the UAE who provide him with cash for essentials like food. Ferguson has also reported being unable to afford all of his prescribed medication, forcing difficult choices between food and medicine.
The prolonged uncertainty has taken a significant emotional toll. He expressed feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed by his circumstances, but has made promises to his children not to resort to desperate measures.
Ferguson is currently staying in a friend's studio apartment, which he can only use until August 20. He has indicated that if his situation is not resolved, he might consider surrendering himself to the police due to having nowhere else to go.
The British Consulate has offered advice and directed him to charities. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund provided him with £750 for groceries. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover his medication, living costs, and potential emergency travel documents or flights back to Britain.
Ferguson hopes to secure a new passport, obtain a visa through another company, and eventually restructure his debts to resume working. His immediate priority, however, is to return home to the UK. The Foreign Office has confirmed they are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.