Renata's Sewing Machine

In 2007, Renata and Paolo moved to Ireland with their youngest daughter. It was a difficult decision because their two older daughters needed to remain in Brazil with relatives. For several years, Renata and Paolo were able to send money to their family, but by 2010, they could not support themselves. They wanted to reunite their family, so they went to IOM Ireland for assistance to return to Brazil.

At their appointment with IOM, Renata learned that they could also apply for a reintegration grant through the IOM Regional Office in Argentina. “I thought, ‘What would I like to do?’” She began planning her business before she left Ireland.

After their return, Renata said, “I had to adapt to everything, especially to my older daughters who were then 12 and 13 years old. The worst of emigrating was losing time with my daughters.” For Paolo, the most difficult thing was that he had returned to Brazil without having been paid by his employer. “Everything looked difficult then.”

To help support her family, Renata applied for the reintegration grant. “I received the Business Plan and contacted IOM in Buenos Aires to apply soon after.” Renata’s application was approved for her to begin a sewing business. With the fund, she purchased sewing machines and material so that she can make and sell clothes.

A few months later, Renata reported that she found the reintegration assistance very helpful. She also advised, “Think carefully whether you should really emigrate. My daughters did not want to go, and it was difficult to be away from them.”