Fatmata Sessay, a 56-year-old from Sierra Leone, spent six months living inside Belém International Airport after her passport was reportedly stolen, leaving her stranded en route to Panama to find her 15-year-old son. Her ordeal mirrors the 2004 film 'The Terminal' starring Tom Hanks.
Living in the Airport
Sessay began sleeping in the terminal after her passport and ticket were stolen, reportedly twice during her journey. She had left São Paulo, where she lived for 18 years, to travel to Panama. During her travels, she was robbed in Peru before volunteers helped her continue through Suriname to Brazil. Upon arriving in Belém, she was robbed again, losing her passport and ticket.
With no money for new documents or travel, she started living in the airport. She said she felt safer there than outside, telling local media: "I didn't want to go anywhere because when I leave there are people and cars on top of me. I feel safe here."
Support and Resolution
During her six months at the airport, Sessay spent her days at a local support centre for homeless people, where she received food and access to washing facilities. Local authorities say she has been receiving support since December 2025 and is on social welfare benefits.
After half a year, the Public Prosecutor's Office of Pará provided her with a plane ticket to continue her journey. Prosecutor Nadilson Portilho handled her case. Sessay told him emotionally: "No one helped me here. Only you bought my ticket. Thank you very much. God willing, I'll find my son and start life again."
Legal and Systemic Issues
Prosecutor Portilho said the office arranged her flight for June 22 and helped secure necessary documents, including visas and vaccination paperwork for Colombia and Panama. Earlier in June, a court in Pará ordered authorities to provide consular support within 48 hours and work with Sierra Leone's diplomatic mission to regularise her status.
The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) stated that Sessay was in a vulnerable situation and had not received proper support throughout her ordeal. Prosecutors also noted delays in her case may have involved system failures, with claims of possible xenophobia and racism. Police are still investigating the thefts.
