Trish McCabe is appealing for help to get her daughter and granddaughter home from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they have been trapped by a travel ban for more than two years.
She said her daughter Alma (36) is going through a “traumatic time” as her ex-husband got a court to put a travel ban on their four-year-old daughter, Isabella.
They have been stuck in Abu Dhabi since March 2022, even though the United Arab Emirates (UAE) family courts have since awarded Alma full custody and parental responsibility.
Ms McCabe is begging the Irish Government for help to get her daughter and granddaughter home as soon as possible, as the travel ban placed on Isabella during the custody dispute remains in place.
Meanwhile, Alma’s father is now seriously ill in intensive care in hospital.
“My husband took a cardiac arrest yesterday. We’re in James’ Hospital. One of my daughters came home [from Abu Dhabi] this morning and Alma is still stuck over there,” Trish said.
“Her dad is gravely ill, and we just don’t know how to get her home. He [Alma’s ex-husband] won’t let her travel with the child. Alma can travel, but he won’t lift the ban unless she brings a guarantor.
Trish McCabe is appealing for help to get her daughter and granddaughter home from Abu Dhabi
“I’ve pleaded with the government for help. I’ve pleaded with the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, but they’re just not listening.
“Now, she has no guarantor because her sister wanted to come home too. He won’t lift the ban. It’s just heartless. I’m just so worried about her being there now, thinking of us here.
“We’re in the family room, we’ve people around us and we’re hoping for the best. But I am very, very worried about her. I’m so concerned about her on top of this,” Trish added.
Alma and Trish have reached out to politicians including Taoiseach Simon Harris, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
“She [Alma] has custody. Isabella is an Irish citizen, was born in Ireland and they just need to come home. After everything they’ve been through, we just want to be reunited,” Trish said.
“My daughter has been through an unbelievable traumatic time. It’s been hell, but she’s won all parental rights and thought she’d be able to return home.
“She’s won everything. All she wants is to come home to her family and the only thing standing in her way is a local travel ban.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it “is aware of this case and has provided extensive consular assistance.
“Our Consular Assistance Unit and the relevant Embassy remain in ongoing contact with the citizen. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”
