When Issam left his homeland, he carried more than just his belongings. He brought with him years of experience as a skilled upholsterer, a passion for photography, and the hope of building a better future. Yet, the road ahead turned out to be far more challenging than he expected. By the time he reached the Lipa Temporary Reception Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he found himself at a critical juncture, searching for the next step.

It was his daughter who weighed heavily on his heart. She was less than two years old when he left. Every day, the thought of his little girl guided his choices. Though he had left with dreams of making a new life, the pull to return to his family—especially to his daughter—grew stronger with each passing day.

After much consideration, and with the support of IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme, Issam made the life-changing decision to return to his homeland. His journey home was not just about reuniting with his daughter, but about reclaiming his identity and leveraging the skills he had long nurtured to build a better future for both of them.

Upon returning, Issam drew on his years of upholstery experience and quickly set up his own shop. “Since I arrived in my country, I have established my upholstery shop, and as you can see my work is going very well”, he confessed.

The reintegration grant allowed him to purchase the necessary equipment—machines for cutting, sewing, and restoring upholstery for furniture and vehicle interiors. In no time, his business was up and running, offering services to local customers and beyond. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, the shop became a success, enabling him to offer employment to another person from his hometown, thus giving back to the community that welcomed him home.

But Issam’s ambitions didn’t end with his upholstery business. Alongside running the shop, he reignited his passion for photography. With his camera in hand, he began taking on photography projects, capturing special moments for people in his community. Balancing both his upholstery business and his photography work, Issam found a way to integrate his professional passions with his personal responsibilities.

Above all, Issam was finally able to be with his daughter again. His love for her had driven his decision to return, and now he could watch her grow, providing the stability and care she needed. Being with her was, and always had been, his greatest goal.

Issam’s story is a powerful example of resilience, hard work, and the potential for new beginnings. With IOM’s support and the reintegration grant, he was able to return home and create a sustainable future for himself and his family. His journey highlights the importance of sustainable solutions in migration management, demonstrating how targeted support can empower individuals to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and find renewed purpose in their homeland.

Written by François Lhoumeau