Li Liang's Greenhouse

In 2004, Li Liang was offered a job in Ireland that represented a great financial opportunity. He came to Ireland while his wife and young children remained in China. Li Liang stayed with his employer and enjoyed living in Ireland. In 2009, however, he developed health problems. Because he did not have legal status in Ireland, he decided to return to China for medical care.

Li Liang heard about IOM’s voluntary return program from an advertisement on a UK channel on TV. He made an appointment at the Dublin office to apply for the program. After receiving clearance from a doctor to fly, IOM assisted him on his journey to China. Once in China, Li Liang was happy to live with his family again. After receiving medical treatment, he applied for the IOM reintegration grant. With the funds, he rented a piece of land and built a greenhouse where he now grows plants and vegetables to sell in local markets.

After six months, IOM staff in Beijing contacted Li Liang to monitor the progress of his business. He now employs five people and feels he has resettled in China. When asked about the future of his greenhouse, he said, “I do not have a long-term plan. I will just try to keep my business running well.”