Ravi's Computer Consultancy

Ravi came to Ireland as a student in 2007. After his course ended, he remained in Ireland to find work and became an irregular migrant. After three years, however, Ravi found himself without financial support and facing homelessness. He wanted to return to India but did not know how he could afford the plane ticket. He also worried about revealing his status to immigration authorities.

Friends told Ravi that IOM could assist him through the voluntary return programme. Ravi called the Dublin office and learned that he could receive assistance for the cost of his travel. IOM also explained that he would not be deported and helped to organize his travel papers. Ravi found out that after he returned he could apply for a reintegration grant at his local IOM office to help him go back to school or start a business.

After he returned, Ravi was supported by family while he established himself financially. He applied for the reintegration grant and received tools to begin an independent computer consultancy. He offers services like desktop publishing and data entry to people in his neighbourhood.

IOM staff in India contacted Ravi after six months to monitor the progress of his business. He cannot yet support himself because there is too much competition for his services. However, “I am learning various software technologies so that I can supplement my income with a good job,” he said.