Isma's Business

Isma and her children came to Ireland as asylum seekers in 2008 and stayed for two years. During the time her application was considered, Isma was unable to work. She was frustrated with how long the asylum process took, and decided to take her family back to Nigeria.

Isma consulted staff at the accommodation centre where she lived. They told her she could contact IOM to ask for assistance through voluntary return. Isma learned that her family could be provided with support for the cost of travel to Nigeria and that she could apply for a grant to help her start a business or go back to school.

After she returned to Nigeria, Isma and her children lived with family and received support from them until Isma could begin working. She applied for the reintegration assistance and started a small business selling drinks. After six months, IOM staff in Nigeria contacted her to ask how her business was progressing. Isma said that it was slow, but, “Business will improve.”

Isma said she was glad to be in Nigeria with her family again, though she would consider emigrating again in the future. She hopes one day to go back to school, and to get a degree in design.