Aida left Ethiopia to find work in Ireland 2008. She had small children, who were living with her mother when she left. Aida hoped to earn more money in Ireland to send back to them. After she had been living in Ireland for a year, Aida learned that her youngest child had become very ill. She wanted to return permanently to Ethiopia to care for her but could not afford the ticket. She was also nervous about traveling out of Ireland as an irregular migrant, so she contacted a lawyer for advice about her visa. The lawyer advised her to contact IOM to discuss voluntary return as an option.

When Aida met with IOM, she learned that she could receive assistance with paying for her plane ticket, and that IOM could help her obtain travel papers. She was also told that she could apply for reintegration assistance after she returned.

After she returned, Aida cared for her child until he had recovered from his illness. During that time, she made a business plan to open a beauty salon. Once her child was better, she applied for the reintegration assistance and received the materials necessary to begin working as a local stylist. Aida is currently earning enough to support her family and is glad to be living with them in Ethiopia again.