Published on: 2026-08-02
Source: United Nations – Объединенные Нации –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
August 1, 2026 Refugees and Migrants
From childhood, Moïse’s life was inseparably connected with football. He grew up in Cameroon, where the game filled all his free time and gave him hope for the future. By the age of five, he spent every free minute on the field and was sure that one day he would become a professional footballer.
As the eldest child in the family, Moiz felt a special responsibility, because success on the football field meant more to him than fulfilling his own dream: he wanted to support his family and justify their faith in him.
Therefore, when the opportunity arose to go abroad and start a professional career, Moise decided that he had finally gotten the chance he had been striving for many years.
“My family believed in me,” he says. “My relatives thought that this was my chance to build a better future.”
A football agent convinced Moise to go to Georgia, promising to help him get into a professional club. His family supported his decision, as his loved ones believed that this trip would open up new opportunities for him.
No contract, no club
However, soon after arriving in Tbilisi, his hopes were shattered. There was no contract, no club was waiting for him. The agent who arranged the trip stopped responding, and then disappeared altogether. Moise was left alone in a foreign country, not knowing where to turn or what to do next.
“At first, I thought there was some kind of misunderstanding,” recalls the young man. “I kept convincing myself that maybe something had happened and that everything would start the very next day.”
But that day never came. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Gradually, Moiz realized that he had been deceived. “It was very hard,” he says. “Just yesterday you were full of hope, and today you understand that the opportunity you came for simply does not exist.”
Football as a support
Thus began the years of uncertainty. Without legal status, steady work, or support, it became increasingly difficult for him to remain in Georgia. But one thing remained unchanged: football continued to be his support.
“Every morning I get up early, go for a run, prepare food, and train twice a day,” he says. “Training helps me focus and reminds me not to give up.”
© IOM Moiz continued to train every day.
The usual routine gave Mois a sense of stability. However, football alone was not enough to cope with all the difficulties. Without a clear understanding of what to do next, staying in Georgia was becoming increasingly difficult.
A difficult decision
Ultimately, Moiz decided to return home. He found support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“This decision was not easy for me, but I want to see my family again and start life anew,” he says.
Assistance in Returning
Moise’s story reflects the reality faced by many migrants: after arriving abroad, their plans collapse. Promises made before departure sometimes fail to materialize, and people find themselves in a difficult situation far from home.
In such a situation, returning may be the safest way out – even if it means leaving the lifelong dream behind.
Within the framework of the Voluntary Return and Reintegration Assistance program (VRR), IOM helps those who have decided to return home to do so voluntarily and safely, and after their return, provides them with support for reintegration.
© IOM International Organization for Migration will help Moise return home.
Mois is one of dozens of migrants who sought help from the IOM office in Georgia after they found themselves in a difficult situation far from home. From January to April 2026, the Organization helped 56 migrants voluntarily return to 20 countries. Among them were 17 women and 10 children under 18. Behind each of these numbers is a person whose journey was full of hopes and tough decisions.
The opportunity to start over
For Moise, returning home does not mean giving up on his football dream. “I still want to play. I don’t know how it will all turn out yet, but I still believe that my dream is alive,” he says.
However, before thinking about football again, Moiz wants to spend time with his family. “They know everything that has happened to me,” the young man says. “Right now, I just want to go back home, be with my loved ones, and decide what to do next.”
For Moses, returning home is not the end of the journey, but an opportunity to start all over again.
*The article is prepared based on IOM materials.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.