As a young couple who wanted to find new opportunities, Martín and Luciana decided to leave Brazil in 2005. Martín, who worked in construction, had a good job offer from a company in Ireland. They liked their life in Ireland, so after a few years, Martín and Luciana married and started a family.

Unfortunately, in 2009, Martín lost his job. He could not find another company willing to sponsor him for a visa, and soon they ran out of money. Luciana wanted to return to Brazil to raise their children and start their lives again. She asked for advice from their priest, who told them that IOM could assist their return. Martín made an appointment with IOM in Dublin and, with the help of an interpreter, they applied for the VARRP.

Upon their return, they moved in with Martín’s parents, which they found difficult. They felt that, as a married couple, they needed their space as a family. It took them three or four months to find their own housing. Once in their own home, they felt much more settled in Brazil. Martín returned to work at a company that had employed him before he moved to Ireland.

A few months after they returned, Martín and Luciana spoke to IOM about their return experience. Martín advised, “Stay in Brazil. If you work the same amount of hours and live without socialising in Brazil, you would be able to save as much money as in Ireland.”

Luciana also added that they did not feel integrated into Irish society because she did not speak English. “You have to rely on what other Brazilians say rather than being able to access information by yourself to make a decision.”