Mikheil's Livestock

Mikheil worked as a driver in Georgia for many years before he became unemployed in 2003. He could not find another job, so he left Georgia in 2005 to apply for asylum in Ireland. He lived in an accommodation centre while waiting for his application to be approved, working small construction jobs in the meantime. Because he was not allowed to work as an asylum-seeker, however, he was unable to earn enough. He decided that he needed to return to his family in 2012.

He heard about IOM from a friend who said the organization could help Georgian nationals, so Mikheil contacted the staff to ask for assistance. He received a plane ticket, and was told that he could apply for a small business grant through IOM Tbilisi after he returned.

Mikheil’s family was very happy to have him return to Georgia. After two weeks, Mikheil contacted IOM Tbilisi and applied for a grant to purchase two milking cows. The calves are doing well and will provide the family with milk, butter, and cheese. In time, they hope to be able to sell these products in the local market.

Mikheil was met by IOM staff on a monitoring visit in 2012, and reported that he was doing well but still adjusting to his return. He felt that part of his mind remained in Ireland and part of his mind was in Georgia. Many of his friends are still in Ireland, but he is happy to be reunited with his family.