Ali Baybaş, Stranded in Saudi Arabia for Years, Brought Back to Türkiye
Ali Baybaş, originally from Sivas, who struggled with legal and health issues in Saudi Arabia where he went about 40 years ago, was brought back to his homeland as a result of diplomatic contacts.
Ali Baybaş, originally from Sivas, who has lived in Saudi Arabia for about 40 years, faced legal obstacles, and suffered partial paralysis during his time in prison, was brought to Türkiye through diplomatic initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the support of state officials, and was hospitalized for treatment.
A Forty-Year Exile Story
Ali Baybaş, registered in the population of Kavak village in Sivas's Gürün district, went to Saudi Arabia for work about 40 years ago. Facing legal obstacles and an exit ban due to not attending a lawsuit filed against him, Baybaş spent a year in prison.
Health Problems and Struggle to Live on the Streets
Suffering a partial paralysis during his time in prison, Ali Baybaş was released from prison two years ago due to health problems. Struggling to survive on the streets of Mecca, Baybaş was found in an exhausted state by Turkish citizens who went there for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
Diplomatic Initiatives and the Return Process
The situation of Ali Baybaş, which came to the agenda through images shared on social media, also caught the attention of politicians. With the initiatives of AK Party Sivas Deputy Rukiye Toy, the process for his return to the homeland was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lifting of Bans and Arrival in Istanbul
The initiatives of Türkiye's Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah before the Saudi Arabian authorities yielded positive results, and the administrative and exit bans on Baybaş were lifted. Baybaş arrived at Istanbul Airport on a scheduled flight belonging to Turkish Airlines.
Hospitalized for Treatment
Met at Istanbul Airport by AK Party Sivas Deputy Rukiye Toy and teams from the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, Ali Baybaş was transferred by ambulance to Arnavutköy State Hospital for health checks and treatment.
Statements from Officials and Baybaş
Ali Baybaş expressed the difficult process he went through and his happiness for reuniting with his country. Meanwhile, Deputy Rukiye Toy stated that the President closely monitored the process and that Baybaş would be hosted in the hospital for a few days.