Celine's Family

Celine and her husband came to Ireland in 2008, hoping that they would find good jobs and a future for their children. By 2011, however, Celine had no work and her husband could not support them with his part-time income. Worried about their children’s security, they looked for a way to return to Mauritius. They heard from friends about IOM’s programme, so they decided to apply for AVR assistance.

After IOM determined that they were eligible for the programme, Celine and her family immediately began preparing to move. “IOM explained our options, and the administrative process for return went quickly.”

After returning, Celine’s family had difficulty finding housing and adapting to life in Mauritius. They found emotional support through their church, where their children met new friends and Celine began volunteering.

Their family was able to apply for the reintegration grant. Because Celine’s husband was trained in metalworking, they decided to use the fund for welding tools that could help him find permanent work again.

When IOM staff talked to Celine in 2012, she was involved with counselling and healthcare assistance through the church, and her husband was taking small metalworking jobs. They had both taken on second jobs because welding work is too irregular to support their family. Celine was planning to stay involved in her church, and she hoped to begin missionary work.