Baatar's Café

Bataar came to Ireland to study English as a part-time student in 2004, and for five years he was able to renew his visa to allow him to work in Dublin. Unfortunately, after the economic crisis began, he was unable to find work. He decided to return to be with his family in Mongolia.

Bataar could not afford to travel home but did not want to burden his family and friends by asking for help that they could not give. Instead, he visited his local Citizen’s Information Centre to find out how he could return on his own. They put him in touch with IOM Ireland, who offered to assist him in flying back to Mongolia. IOM staff also encouraged him to apply for the reintegration grant. He admits that he was sceptical about it at first. “It is in a Mongolian’s nature,” Bataar explained. “It was surprising that people were offering to help.”

Bataar received the grant once he returned to Mongolia. He decided to use it to invest in his mother’s café by purchasing new refrigerators. This investment gave the returnee some financial security, as it ensured that he shared in a portion of the profits.  The café is now located near a busy cultural district. Because of the move, the family has been able to host events for local businesses. The café is becoming very popular.

When Bataar left Ireland, he was disappointed because he felt that he would have liked to stay if he had found more work opportunities. Today, he has a good life in Mongolia and does not wish to go abroad again. He enjoyed the multicultural experience in Ireland, but he is excited to see how Mongolia is also developing and opening up to many different people.