Naveed came to Ireland in 2010 to find work, leaving his wife and children in Pakistan. He lived in Dublin for almost one year, working several jobs that allowed him to send money to his family. Without a work permit, however, he could not find long-term employment. He realized that it would be better to return to Pakistan to pursue a career.

Naveed approached IOM to ask for assistance in returning because he did not want to burden his family financially. Through IOM, he was able to organize his travel papers and purchase a plane ticket to Lahore. When he learned that he could apply for reintegration assistance, he also began planning to start a business once he returned.

Once in Pakistan, Naveed decided that his English skills would be a great asset in working as a writer. He applied for the reintegration grant from IOM’s local office in Lahore, and began a free-lance writing business. Although work was slow in the beginning, Naveed has found steady work as a proof-reader and translator. He also says that he is now “in the business of writing books” and hopes to publish his own novel one day. Naveed is hopeful that his writing contracts will continue to support his family.