Manama to Mumbai: A Mother’s Saga: A Tale of Resilience and Hope
Manama: In a remarkable turn of events, Yasmin Kiyammuddin Ansari, an Indian woman hailing from Mumbai, has triumphed over a two-year ordeal to secure legal status for her child and return to India. Yasmin’s journey began in March 2020, when she arrived in Bahrain. She married Khalid Akram, a Pakistani national, in June 2020, but soon faced domestic violence, leading to their separation. Amidst the turmoil, Yasmin encountered difficulties obtaining her child’s birth certificate due to ongoing legal proceedings and emotional distress.
On May 24th, 2022, Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath received Yasmin’s plea for help. Yasmin and her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Malak, were without proper shelter, food, or financial means to pay rent. Mr. Thirunilath is the country head of Pravasi Legal Cell as well as the Indian Diaspora Ambassador—Indian Diaspora Global. Determined to assist, Mr. Thirunilath promptly escalated the case to the Ambassador of India to Bahrain, HE Piyush Srivastava, and filed a case at Madad, the Indian government’s grievance cell. Yasmin was summoned to the Embassy to provide detailed information about her situation. Mr. Thirunilath sought the support of Advocate Tariq Al-Own, who filed the case on August 17th, 2022. The legal battle encountered ups and downs as it progressed, subject to the merits of the case. Throughout this period, the Pravasi Legal Cell team provided support by covering room rent, arranging food rations, and assisting with court fees. Yasmin’s former employer was urged to renew her visa, enabling her to approach the court, and also offered her a job to sustain her daily needs. Mr. Thirunilath approached the Ministry of Information, presenting evidence such as marriage and divorce records, hospital documents, and court judgements. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Ministry of Information and health authorities extended their help, resulting in the issuance of a birth notification and the delivery certificate through PLC’s collaboration.
On May 21st, 2023, Mr. Thirunilath approached the Bahrain Immigration Office to explain Yasmin and her child’s plight. Understanding the urgency, the immigration authorities, including Mr. Naef Al Sherooqi, Mr. Adhil Mohd Amadi, and Captain Yousef Jamal, demonstrated exceptional cooperation and empathy. Officers Mr. Abdulla, Mr. Hamoodh Sulaiman, Mr. Nissar Al Balooch, and Mr. Abbas put forth dedicated efforts to resolve the matter. Mr. Thirunilath spent numerous hours at the immigration office with Yasmin and her child, meticulously documenting every detail and ensuring her ex-husband Khalid Akram’s no objection was obtained, capturing his statement on record.
After a year-long ordeal, Yasmin Kiyammuddin Ansari and her daughter can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath, a dedicated social worker, successfully aided in their exit clearance and procured travel tickets on Etihad Airlines. The Devji Group generously provided the tickets, considering their financial limitations. Notable support came from HE Piyush Srivastava, the Honourable Ambassador of India, along with key figures such as Lawyer Adv Tariq, the Immigration Authorities, Salmaniya Health Authorities, the Ministry of Information, and officials from the Embassy of India. Yasmin and her daughter express heartfelt gratitude for the continuous assistance received since May 24th, 2022, from various organisations and individuals, including the Embassy of India, Bahrain Government Authorities, World NRI Council, and more.
Successful Efforts Lead to Resolution: Yasmin and Daughter’s Exit Clearance and Travel Arrangements Secured Today, as Yasmin and her daughter boarded the flight to Mumbai, it marked the end of their arduous journey. Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath, the selfless and dedicated social worker, never lost hope and tirelessly sought solutions to the challenges they faced. Ultimately, his unwavering determination brought smiles to the faces of this inseparable mother-daughter duo.
This remarkable saga serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the indomitable human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Yasmin’s story stands as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of justice in creating a better world for all.
