Isabel came to Ireland with her husband and young son, and they settled for almost four years. Although her husband found a steady job, Isabel did not have a work permit. After the birth of their second child, Isabel and her husband decided it would be best for Isabel to return to Brazil with the children so that she could receive support from her family.

Isabel met with IOM Ireland, whose offer of assistance made it possible to return. Although she and her husband had been working, they did not have enough money to pay for three plane tickets. Isabel also learned about the reintegration grant, and decided to apply for it once she was back in Brazil.

She thought about how best to earn money in Brazil with two young children. “I had a little baby so it was difficult to work,” she said. With the reintegration grant, Isabel took courses in hairdressing and began receiving clients in her home. She finds it is still difficult to live away from her husband, but is glad to be able to work again. Isabel hopes that one day she will be able to reunite their family in Ireland.