Márcia's Ice Cream Stall

Márcia immigrated to Ireland in 2007 with several of her friends. Because she had no work permit, she worked several temporary jobs but could find nothing permanent. After two years, she could no longer afford housing and wanted to return to her family in Brazil.

Márcia wanted to return but could not afford to do so. She was also nervous about traveling because her passport had expired and she did not have a valid visa in Ireland. A priest at her local church told her that IOM could assist her with organizing her travel and her documentation. IOM helped her to make possible her return to Brazil.

After she returned, Márcia was glad to be reunited with her family. She also applied for the IOM reintegration grant immediately, and used the funds to purchase an ice-cream stall in a busy tourist location. After six months, her business was growing slowly, but Márcia was confident that the business would one day provide a sustainable income.