UAE: Sharjah officials waive fines and lift travel ban for grieving family

Sharjah: Sharjah Airport officials intervened to help a Sudanese family burdened with overstay fines after the sudden death of a loved one , waiving fines and lifting a travel ban.

The kind action of the officials helped the family to return home with dignity and peace.

A Sudanese woman named Salma expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sharjah Airport officials who came to her family’s aid during an emotionally devastating time, exemplifying how acts of kindness can make a world of difference in moments of crisis.

The ordeal began when Salma’s sister and young nephew, both residents of Fujairah under a humanitarian residency visa, unknowingly accumulated overstay fines after technical delays disrupted their permit renewal process.

The fines came to light just as they were preparing to leave the UAE following the sudden death of their mother, just two days before the start of Ramadan.

Travel ban

When the grieving family arrived at Sharjah International Airport for their departure recently, they were devastated to learn of the penalties. Lacking the financial means to pay and facing the possibility of a travel ban, Salma’s sister feared she might never be able to return to the UAE, not even to visit her mother’s grave.

With her son asleep in her arms and her hands full, she struggled through the airport’s formalities, until an on-duty official noticed her distress and immediately stepped in to help. That officer was Majid Sultan Al Musafri, a civil employee who promptly reached out to First Assistant Ali Abdullah Al Hammadi, even though he was on his break. Al Hammadi quickly escalated the issue to Colonel Mohammed Bu Rahima, Director of Airport Passports at Sharjah Airport.

Fine waiver

Moved by the situation, Colonel Bu Rahima personally intervened. He spoke directly to the woman, offering comfort and decisive support helping the family with fine waiver.

“Sister, this is your country. The UAE is your home, and Sharjah is your city. You are always welcome to return to visit your mother’s grave and your family. You owe nothing. There are no fines, no departure fees, and no bans against you,” he told the woman.

Swift response

Thanks to the swift and compassionate efforts of the team, the woman and her child were cleared to leave the country without paying the fines or being flagged for future entry. They were escorted through the departure process.

Salma, deeply moved by this support during one of the most painful periods in her family’s life, thanked Colonel Bu Rahima, Al Hammadi, and Al Musafri for their humanity. She also acknowledged the support of her friend Fatima Mohammed Saif Al Naqbi, who stood by her throughout the ordeal.

Humanitarian approach

Speaking to Gulf News, Colonel Bu Rahima explained the importance of having a humanitarian approach every case: “What pushed me to handle the case with compassion was my desire to earn reward from Allah, and the values instilled in us by our wise leadership, who urge us to serve every individual with kindness,” he said.

He praised the response of his team, particularly civil employee Majid Al Musafri and First Assistant Al Hammadi, who worked beyond the call of duty. Their quick coordination from identifying the issue to processing the departure ensured the family was able to travel home peacefully.

Colonel Bu Rahima added that compassion is not just a value but a responsibility, especially for those representing the UAE on the front lines of public service:

“Every case deserves to be looked at with empathy and foresight. What we do reflects not just on us, but on our nation,” he noted.