Jalal left Pakistan in 2007 to find work in Ireland. He lived  there for three years, working several jobs. In 2010, however, he became unemployed and could not support himself. He decided to return to Pakistan but did not want to be deported.

A friend told Jalal that IOM could assist him with organizing his paperwork to return to Pakistan. Jalal met with IOM in Dublin and also received support with his travel costs. He learned that he could apply for a reintegration grant in Pakistan and use the fund to help him start a business.

After he returned, Jalal applied for the reintegration assistance to start a distribution business. He delivers baked goods and sweets from bakeries to local customers. After six months, IOM staff contacted Jalal to monitor the progress of his business. He told IOM that the grant had been very useful to him, and that he was glad to be in Pakistan.

“This is a great project and it should continue. There are still many people stranded and undocumented in Dublin. They would need IOM’s help to return and reintegrate into their own country.”