Daniel came to Ireland in 2008 to apply for asylum. He remained in an accommodation centre for one year, but decided to return to Kenya so that he could work. A social worker recommended that he contact IOM, so Daniel made an appointment to apply for voluntary return.

Daniel returned to Kenya in 2009, and immediately applied for IOM’s reintegration grant. He used the fund to purchase farming equipment and sheep, which he could breed on his family’s land and sell to local butchers.

After six months, Daniel spoke with IOM staff in Kenya about his business. At the time, it was making enough of a profit to support his family. Daniel felt that he had made the right decision in returning. “I encourage those still in Ireland to start new lives back home. I, and returnees like me, have settled back home successfully and have experienced much from both worlds. We know that it is possible to make it back home.”

Amina was a single mother in Kenya, working to support her young children and her parents. She could not earn enough in Kenya, so she left her children in the care of her parents and came to Ireland hoping to find more economic opportunity. She did not have a work permit, but did find employment for three years. In 2011, she lost her job and was unable to find another for several months. Because she was irregular, she was unable to receive any assistance, and found herself facing homelessness. A friend who knew of her situation told her that IOM could help her return to Kenya, and so Amina made an appointment to find out more information.

Amina decided that it would be best for her to return to her family in Kenya. IOM assisted her by purchasing her plane ticket, and organizing her travel documents out of Ireland. Amina was also relieved to learn that she could apply for reintegration assistance, which would allow her to start a business. Before returning to Kenya, she read newspapers and did research on the internet to prepare herself for what to expect. She wanted to have current information about the economy in Kenya before returning.