Stefan's Farm

Stefan came to Ireland in 2009 because he could not find work in Moldova. He and his wife had young children, and he hoped to make a better life for them. He came on his own to Ireland without a work permit, and stayed for six months. He almost immediately became vulnerable, as he could not find enough work in Ireland to secure his housing or basic necessities. He missed his family, and wanted to return to Moldova.

Stefan could not afford the travel back to Moldova. He heard from friends that IOM could assist him with the cost of the flight, and he called to ask for more information. He learned that his file would remain confidential until he allowed IOM to share his information with Irish immigration, so that they could procure his travel documents.

After Stefan returned, he applied for the reintegration grant with the IOM local office. He received farming equipment so that he could begin to work his land for agriculture. He also received assistance from his family to start the farm. Stefan reported after six months that the farm was slowly growing. It cannot yet support his family because there is too much competition from other, more well-established, farmers.

Stefan still finds it difficult to get stable work in Moldova. He is happy to be living with his wife and children, but he would emigrate again for more economic opportunity.