The Blitz Café

Arkadi and Sula came to Ireland as irregular migrants in 2007. Arkadi had been trained in woodwork, a common business in the region of Georgia where he lived. His cousins were living in Ireland and encouraged him to move, saying that he could find better work opportunities. He and Sula decided to go to Ireland with the hopes of earning more money, leaving their two children with relatives in Georgia. They stayed in Ireland for five years, unable to visit their children during that time. After such a long separation, they decided it was time to return.

A friend recommended that they contact IOM to help them plan how to return, since they were both worried about revealing themselves as irregular migrants. IOM staff explained that they would receive flight tickets to Georgia and could apply for a grant through IOM Tbilisi to further their education or start a business.

Arkadi and Sula returned to Georgia in 2012, and invested in a business owned by Sula’s family. The family shop sold flowers and sweets, so they used the grant to purchase new stock. After one year, Arkadi and Sula were able to invest the shop earnings into opening a new café in their town, called Blitz Café. The café now employs three staff and is open late on weekends, so it often turns into a venue for parties. After one month, the café is already earning more than the flower shop.

IOM Ireland staff visited the café in 2012 and spoke with Arkadi. He said that his experience in Ireland was a good one and he hopes to visit again one day. However, he and Sula are happy to have returned to their children in Georgia.