"Bye bye Cairo, bye bye Cairo!" were the cries of joy as the planes took off from Cairo to Conakry. On board, chanting was all over the place. The passengers were filled with hope and optimism that home is where their dreams for the future are.

More than 640 Guineans have consciously made a brave decision to go back home and pursue a new life. IOM helped them through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme under the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration programme funded by the European Union.

Their migration journeys were not easy. Over the past few years, economic and socioeconomic turbulence in the region and globally has taken a toll on migrants and compounded their vulnerabilities. Egypt, impacted by the fallout of these ongoing crises, was no exception.

As they buckled up with only few hours to home, Amare and Fanta shared their stories.

Amare Diane, a 40-year-old, spent over a decade in Egypt, where he found stability and a chance to build a life for his family. After studying Sharia and Law at Al Azhar University, Amare worked tirelessly to provide for his two sons, securing a good living for them by working in a supermarket.

For years, Egypt was home to him, but over time, Amare felt the need to move forward. The routine of his work began to weigh on him, and he found himself yearning for something more meaningful.

“Egypt was good to me, but now, it’s time to go home,” Amare said.

With a deep desire to give back to his community, Amare wants to pursue a career in teaching Sharia to children. His goal is to share his knowledge and pass down the lessons he has learnt to the children of Guinea.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Amare’s commitment to his roots and his passion for teaching drive him forward. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a longing to contribute to the growth and development of his homeland.

Fanta, a 28-year-old mother of two, once dreamed of a career in Infomation Technology, a field she was passionate about while studying in Guinea. Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced her to drop out of college and seek work elsewhere. In 2023, she moved to Egypt in search of better opportunities, but instead faced numerous challenges and found herself longing to go home.

Separated from her children, aged 13 and 5, Fanta wanted to return to Guinea. Her journey, marked by struggles, left her with strong desire to reunite with her family.

"I feel so happy and excited. There is no place like home," Fanta reflects as she prepares to return to Guinea.

Despite her initial plans, Fanta’s focus has shifted. She dreams of opening a dry goods business, prioritizing her children’s future over her own. "My dream now is to push my children to accomplish their dreams. I want them to finish their education," she says.

With a renewed sense of hope, Fanta offers a piece of advice to others: "To my sisters in Guinea; be who you are and focus on yourself. Safe migration is key in order to fulfill your potential in another country"

Fanta’s journey has taught her that true happiness lies in being with loved ones and helping them achieve what she could not.

As the plane soared, they all looked forward to the new opportunities that awaited them in their homeland. For them, the promise of a fresh start in Guinea filled them with excitement and hope.

Written by: Nadine Noureldin and Salma Okasha - IOM Egypt.