Elena's B&B

Elena left Brazil in 2004 and lived in Ireland for five years. During that time, she could not find a steady job because she did not have a work permit. By 2009, Elena could not support herself or find housing. She decided to return to her family.

Elena’s friends told her that IOM could assist her. She visited the Dublin office to ask for more information about the assisted voluntary return program. Elena was eligible to receive IOM support and was assisted during the process of her return. Staff members also met her at the airport in transit and upon her arrival in Brazil.

After she returned, Elena enrolled in school and applied for the reintegration grant. She used the fund to begin a bed and breakfast in her family’s home. After six months, the business was earning a profit but not enough to be Elena’s only source of income. She found another part-time job at a dentist’s office, and is saving money to expand the B&B. Elena is glad she returned to Brazil. “As long as I keep my job and my activity at home, I want to continue studying.”