Ignacio's Law Firm

In 2009, Ignacio left Bolivia and came to Ireland because he was frustrated by the political situation at home. As a lawyer, he hoped to find work in Dublin quickly. He grew worried when he was still unemployed after six months, and began to feel that he could not establish his career in Ireland. He decided that he wanted to return to Bolivia.

Ignacio spoke with the Ireland Migration Services in Dublin, who put him in contact with IOM. He met IOM staff to discuss how he could receive assistance in organizing his plane ticket and other travel costs. As Ignacio did not want to give up his career as a lawyer, he was told that he could apply for reintegration assistance. He created a business plan to open a legal consultancy firm in La Paz.

Returning was difficult for Ignacio because he was still anxious about the political situation in Bolivia. After three months, however, he received the reintegration grant and was able to open his firm. Having his own business made him more optimistic, because it meant that he was able to support himself almost immediately. He has now built up enough clients that his consultancy work is earning a profit.

Ignacio hopes to one day complete a master’s degree in Sweden, but because he found the immigration process in Ireland very complex, he says that he will, “find out the visa procedures” before he leaves, and will better research his job opportunities. For now, Ignacio is pleased to be building his legal career in La Paz.