Faisal fled Afghanistan when he was 14 years old. His family faced threats and decided to send their son to a safe place, hoping for his better life in Europe. The travel through Iran and Turkey was not easy for him and he had to earn money for further journey. Therefore, he spent more than two years working on farms in Turkey.

Faisal finally managed to get to Europe, but without any documents. While in Slovakia, he was apprehended by the police and placed in a specialized facility for unaccompanied minor migrants in the town of Medzilaborce. Long-term separation from family, grief and language barrier made him to decide to return home. He asked IOM for help.

IOM Slovakia, in cooperation with IOM missions in Kabul and Jalalabad, also involving Faisal’s parents, prepared the plan and all the formalities necessary for his return.

After his arrival home, Faisal agreed to cooperate with the owner of the grocery store where he had worked before leaving Afghanistan. Thanks to IOM reintegration grant he entered into partnership with this grocery store and gained a stable job and monthly income. This allows him to cover his monthly expenses and support his parents and six siblings.

Faisal from Afghanistan. Foto © International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More information on IOM assistance to migrants during and after their return home from Slovakia: www.avr.iom.sk.

(Names of the persons have been published with their consent. / Names of the persons have been altered to protect their identity.)

Voluntary Return and Reintegration in Country of Origin (Individual Project).This project is co-funded by the European Union from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Home Affairs Funds.