Lai Shan's Family

Lai Shan lived in Dublin for four years as an undocumented migrant before deciding to return to Hong Kong. She had been unable to find employment for several months, and wanted to be reunited with her daughter and her parents. However, neither she nor her family could afford to buy her plane ticket. Lai Shan went to the Chinese embassy in Dublin to get information about her options to return. The embassy directed her to IOM, who was able to answer her questions about how to leave Ireland. Lai Shan then decided to ask IOM Ireland for assistance in returning to Hong Kong.

Lai Shan struggled after returning to Hong Kong because she had very little money and no job. Within a few weeks, however, she decided to apply for reintegration assistance with IOM so that she could open her own vegetable stall. With the grant, she was able to purchase a refrigerator and other business equipment. She is only earning a small profit, but it is enough to support her family for now.

Lai Shan is unsure about whether she wants to remain in Hong Kong, and does not know what her future plans will be. She would consider going abroad again if another work opportunity presented itself, but wants to make sure that her family is taken care of no matter what happens.