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From Migration to Entrepreneurship: Barwaqo’s Story

Barwaqo Mahmud left Somalia in search of a better future, traveling through the harsh Libyan desert with hopes of reaching Europe. But after facing difficult realities along the journey, she chose to return home through IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme.

With reintegration support funded by the European Union, Barwaqo started a small business in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Today, her shop supports a family of eleven and stands as a symbol of resilience, determination, and new beginnings.

In 2025, IOM supported more than 900 Somali migrants to voluntarily and safely return home, helping many rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

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