An Irish mother is pleading for help for her daughter and granddaughter who cannot leave Abu Dhabi due to a travel ban ordered by the child's father.

Trish McCabe's daughter Alma and her four-year-old granddaughter Isabella have been unable to leave the Untied Arab Emirates since 2022.

Alma's ex-husband has secured a court order that prevents Isabella from leaving the country, despite Alma winning full custody of the child.

Ms McCabe claims that Isabella’s father made malicious complaints against Alma to secure the travel ban. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Ms McCabe said the Irish Embassy in the United Arab Emirates told Alma that there was very little they could do for her.

However, as the situation progressed, she says they showed her more support.

"They started taking an interest and they started giving support, as much as they said they could – but at this stage we’ve exhausted all avenues," Ms McCabe said. 

Government intervention

She said all her daughter wants to do is bring Isabella home to Ireland.

"She wants to come home - she's not in a good place," Ms McCabe said.

"We’re extremely worried about her and the Government here are well aware of the situation and the crisis she’s in, and the stress that it’s having on her.

"We have done everything that we’ve been told to do by them and we just feel now at this stage, somebody has to intervene and take responsibility for her and Isabella’s well-being and safety."

Detained in Dubai

Detained in Dubai, a human rights organisation based in UAE said diplomatic conversations between the Irish and UAE Governments will be required in order for the family to return.

In a statement published online, Detained in Dubai founder Radha Stirling said the odds are "stacked against Alma", despite having full custody of Isabella.