Leyla's Story

Leyla was an editor in Azerbaijan when she left in 2006 for political reasons. She lived in another European country for two years and then came to Ireland as an asylum seeker, where both her daughters were raised and began school. However, Leyla herself did not feel at home in Ireland, and she realised that she missed her life in Azerbaijan.

“One day, IOM came from Dublin to visit the accommodation centre. I got more information about how I can get home. They helped my family, bought our plane tickets, and got our Reentry Certificate to the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

IOM also told Leyla that she could apply for reintegration assistance through the IOM office in Baku once she returned. Although Leyla managed to find work teaching English and Azerbaijani, she still wanted to pursue editing. She decided to use the reintegration grant to purchase equipment such as a laptop, a printer, and paper. “After, I was able to start editing some newspapers and teach English and Azeri languages.” Now, Leyla dreams of one day writing her own satirical magazine.

Leyla admits that it was difficult to adjust to the return. Although Azerbaijan was ‘home’, it still took time to re-establish her professional contacts and meet new clients. It was also difficult for her daughters to adapt socially and to enrol in school because they had both grown up speaking English. With her teaching and editing work, however, Leyla says, “Finally my children can go to an English school. It is very important, but very expensive.”

Leyla says that she is happy to be back in Azerbaijan, and does not plan to emigrate again. She explains that for her, “Home is always better!”