Marinda and her husband came to Ireland to find work in 2007. They both found temporary jobs, but then Marida fell ill. Their family struggled to support themselves while also paying Marinda’s medical bills. In 2009, when Marinda’s doctor approved her to travel, they decided to return to Brazil.

Marinda knew about IOM through a friend and contacted them to receive return assistance. “We had already decided to return, but the program gave us an opportunity.” After they returned, Marinda and her husband lived with family until they could apply for the reintegration grant.

Six months after they received the grant, Marinda spoke with IOM Regional Office in Argentina about her experience with return. She still had medical issues and was looking for work, but she was glad to be in Brazil where she had the support of her family.