Jean's IT Training

When Jean lost his job in Mauritius in 2008, he decided to move to Ireland. With so little industry in his hometown, he wanted to improve his English and hopefully find a job where he could become a skilled worker.

In Ireland, Jean enrolled in an English language course. He liked the people he met, and found a few jobs that allowed him to practice speaking English. However, the course ended and his visa expired. Jean could not afford to enrol in another program, nor could he find an employer to sponsor him for a work permit.

Jean decided to return to Mauritius and looked online for resources that could help him. He found IOM’s voluntary return program and applied immediately. “I had already made the decision. I had planned my return beforehand, but I needed the support of IOM to do so.”

After he returned, Jean found it difficult to adapt to life in Mauritius. He applied for the reintegration grant so that he could take an IT course. The grant also paid for him to take his IELTS exam.

Jean spoke with IOM staff in 2012. He had not yet found an IT job, and hoped to emigrate again with his new skills. Nevertheless, he felt he made the right decision to return. He said, “Be courageous, and return home. It is not that difficult to return to your home country.”