‘Please bring my children home’

A Sri Lankan woman living in Ireland for the last five years has launched a petition in hope of being reunited with her children in Nenagh.

Shivaniee (Shivi) Nadarajah (46) is well-known to many in Nenagh from her eye-catching photographs of the town and its surrounds. She came to Nenagh four years ago after she met local man Donal Ryan shortly after her arrival in Ireland.

Shivi has been trying without success to bring her daughter (12) and son (9) from Sri Lanka to live with her here. “I am making this heartfelt plea to be reunited with my two children,” she wrote in launching a petition to further her cause.

“My children and I have been separated for five years. Their immigration applications have now been outstanding for 15 months without a decision or meaningful update. A separate emergency travel request has also been submitted to the Irish immigration authorities.

“Five years is an enormous part of a child’s life. I have missed their everyday lives, important moments and the simple things that a mother should be there for.

“I came to Ireland lawfully and have followed all required immigration procedures. I work for a bank, pay my taxes and contribute to my community and to Irish society.

“My partner, Donal Ryan, is an Irish citizen, works for a bank and is the main sponsor for my children. We have provided the required financial and supporting documentation.”

PAINFUL EXPERIENCE

“One of my children was recently hospitalised and continues to experience health difficulties,” Shivi wrote. “Being unable to be beside my child during illness has been one of the most painful experiences of my life.

“Our family is also facing serious medical circumstances. Their grandfather is 85-years-old, has serious heart problems and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a serious heart valve condition. Due to his age and medical condition, he is not undergoing surgery. Their grandmother is 78-years-old and urgently needs eye surgery as her eyesight continues to deteriorate.

“We have followed the proper process and sought help through the appropriate channels, including contacting immigration authorities and a local elected representative. Despite this, we have experienced repeated referrals between offices without a clear resolution or meaningful update.

“I respectfully ask the Irish immigration authorities to urgently review my children’s applications and the separate emergency travel request, taking into account their health and wellbeing, their grandparents’ serious medical circumstances, and the devastating impact of five years of separation.

“All relevant medical evidence and supporting documentation have already been provided. If any further information or evidence is required, I am fully prepared to provide it without delay.

“I am not asking for the law to be bypassed or for special treatment. I am asking for compassion, humanity and an urgent response.

“Five years apart is long enough. Fifteen months without a decision is long enough. Please help me bring my children home. Please help reunite a mother with her children.”

Shivi is appealing for people to sign her petition at change.org – ‘A Mother’s Plea: Please Bring My Children Home’.