Carolina's Dressmaking

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.

Carolina still feels nostalgic about Ireland but is glad to have started her own business. The money earns from dressmaking allows her and her husband to save money for a new house.