After he returned to Brazil from Ireland in 2008, Aurélio was glad that he had stayed in contact with his previous employers. He had gone to Ireland in 2006 to work in construction, but made sure not to lose touch with his job network at home. After months of unemployment in Ireland, he need to find a job quickly and it was much easier to get himself settled when he already knew who to call.

Aurélio had been working in Ireland for two years when he became unemployed. With construction businesses closing, he felt, “It didn’t make sense to stay in Ireland.” He also missed Brazil, and especially his wife who he had not seen in over a year. Unfortunately, Aurélio had gone through his small savings after losing his job. He applied to IOM for assistance to return to Brazil.

After he returned, Aurélio and his wife lived with his brother-in-law for over a month, until he found a job as a sales representative. But because he had learned to sew as a child, Aurélio also applied for a reintegration grant to begin a tailoring business. He purchased a sewing machine so that he and his wife could make clothes and perform alterations from their home.

Carolina and her husband came to Ireland in 2005 and worked as irregular migrants for seven years. She found a variety of odd jobs, working as a cleaner, baby-sitter, at a laundrette, and at an ice-cream shop. She loved living in Ireland but she and her husband could not earn enough to support themselves.

Carolina missed her family greatly and her husband also wanted to return to Brazil. They did not have the resources to return. Carolina heard from friends that IOM could provide assistance through the voluntary return programme. She and her husband received support to pay for the cost of their flights.

After returning, Carolina was happy to see her family. She and her husband lived with her mother until they found a place of their own, which they are fixing up together. Her husband now works construction, and Carolina applied for the reintegration grant. She used the fund to begin a dressmaking business, which has been very successful.