Budapest – In February 2019, Ms. C. D. voluntarily returned to her country of origin with the assistance of IOM Budapest. To facilitate her transition into her country of origin, Ms. C. D. utilized the opportunity IOM Budapest offers through reintegration assistance. The project “Hungarian Voluntary Return, Reintegration and Information Program” implemented by IOM Budapest is funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Interior of Hungary. The project provides complex reintegration assistance to migrants who have returned to their country of origin. The returnees can apply to IOM Budapest with a sustainable reintegration plan which can be a business startup, vocational/educational training, a business partnership or a salary subsidy. The selected plans receive funding of up to 2500 EUR from IOM Budapest to assist their sustainable return.

Ms. C. D. is a skilled seamstress with over 30 years of sewing experience. With the funds of IOM Budapest, she opened a sewing studio and is the sole owner of the business. In order to prepare for her venture, Ms. C. D. carefully calculated the costs, services, and predicted net profits in her business plan submitted to IOM Budapest. The in-kind funds she received were used to purchase the necessary equipment, materials, and to pay the initial rent installments of the studio. The sewing shop has been of indispensable assistance to the reintegration of Ms. C. D. into her country of origin. Currently, the sewing shop is thriving and specializes in traditional outfits, work attire, and European-style clothing. In the future, Ms. C. D. aspires to expand her business into a factory and employ other seamstresses in her community.

To learn more about the Hungarian Voluntary Return, Reintegration and Information Program, please click here.