Emilie's Beauty Salon

Emilie came from Guyana in 2010 to apply for asylum in Ireland. When her application was still undetermined after six months, Emilie decided that she wanted to return. She and her children were experiencing financial hardship, and she was concerned about their lack of security.

Through the provision centre where they lived in Ireland, Emilie heard that the IOM could help them to return by procuring plane tickets, and by providing support during the transition. She visited the IOM office in Dublin and learned that she could also apply for a grant to help her further her education or even start a business. She decided to research her opportunities in Guyana and then apply for help in starting a business.

After returning, Emilie found that she had to readapt to living in Guyana. She experienced financial difficulties, challenges in obtaining healthcare, and problems with integrating socially. With help from family and friends, she found work as a hairdresser and decided to use the reintegration assistance to rent a property for a hair salon. Although the work covered her costs after six months, Emilie planned to enrol in more beauty training courses and move her business to a better location.

Emilie is happy she returned. When asked if she would leave again, she responded that she would only travel abroad again to purchase products for her business.