IRARA supports governments in addressing complex migration and immigration challenges. We began by helping people return to their home countries and rebuild their lives, and that mission still guides our work today.
Established in 2017, IRARA has taken its philosophy of Positive Futures, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, and expanded it to support the wider immigration market and other critical government services. Operating globally, IRARA delivers tailored, innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by governments while driving sustainable social and economic progress.
IRARA works closely with governments to understand their unique challenges and deliver bespoke solutions that address their priorities. Whether navigating complex migration systems, managing reintegration programmes, or enhancing citizen services, we provide strategic insight, operational excellence, and innovative frameworks to overcome obstacles and achieve desired outcomes.
Our expertise in migration systems shapes our approach to delivering community-focused, sustainable impact. Through strong partnerships, locally led and culturally informed solutions, IRARA creates measurable, long-term benefits. Guided by integrity, inclusivity, and innovation, we support governments in building brighter futures and stronger communities.
Our culture is grounded in four core values, known as “the 4 i’s”: Integrity, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Inspiration. These values define our behaviours as individuals and collectively shape how we operate as an organisation. They provide a unified foundation that is consistently applied across all areas of our work.
We are honest and work hard to earn trust We are accountable for our actions and are open, straightforward and honest. Our people take responsibility for the things that they do.
We foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive
Our team reflect the people which we support. We aim to ensure everyone has access to a positive future.
We welcome new ideas that challenge the status quo
Everyone in our organisation shares their ideas for changing and improving the way in which we deliver services.
We inspire the people we support, our colleagues and the communities in which we work. Our dedication and enthusiasm energises those who we support and our pride in what we do is apparent to all.
Co-Founder & CEO
Co-Founder & CEO
Jeremy Aldridge has been CEO of IRARA since 2017 when he co-founded it to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on communities globally. Jeremy is a visionary leader and has significantly shaped the strategic direction and nurtured a culture of innovation and excellence.
Jeremy’s extensive international experience in business and operations management supporting governments has seen him hold numerous leadership positions. His expertise spans immigration, space, technology, defence, security, and transport, demonstrating his versatility in tackling complex challenges. His professional journey includes working with multinational organisations across the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, and the Middle East, enriching his cultural acumen and fueling his passion for global positive change.
Jeremy’s leadership style is marked by strategic vision, integrity, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. As CEO, he is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability within IRARA, propelling the organisation toward excellence in delivery and growth. In summary, Jeremy Aldridge is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in business and operations management, whose international experience and passion for positive change drive IRARA’s continued growth and impact.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive – Global Affairs
Co-Founder & Chief Executive – Global Affairs
Jason Ollivent has dedicated his life to public service for over three decades, holding prestigious assignments across Europe and beyond. He combines experience as a public servant and senior roles in non-public organisations. Witnessing the 2015 European immigration crisis firsthand, Jason co-founded IRARA to positively impact people’s lives.
Since January 2017, Jason has served as the CEO for Global Affairs at IRARA. He oversees all service offerings and the global partner network, driving the organisation’s mission to provide a humane response to displaced people. He manages IRARA’s operations in 34 countries of return and serves as the senior escalation point for government customers, currently working with 28 national governments.
Jason is a highly experienced leader with expertise in managing delivery partners in challenging geographies, delivering efficient and effective operational solutions to maximise care and support, while continually improving services. He is recognised for his deep understanding of immigration and reintegration processes.
Before fully dedicating himself to IRARA, Jason’s career included roles such as Strategic Development Director at Serco and Public Sector Business Manager at Microsoft UK. His skill set includes establishing solutions in countries with recent social disruption and collaborating with governments to address key challenges. Jason’s dedication to public service and his extensive experience makes him a pivotal figure in reintegration and immigration support.
Global Operations Manager – UK & Europe
Global Operations Manager – UK & Europe
Richard Davenport is a distinguished professional with over two decades of experience in the migration and humanitarian sector. Since joining IRARA in 2017, he has demonstrated his expertise in delivering reintegration services, overseeing a substantial portfolio of cases. His leadership in team dynamics and partner management is widely acknowledged.
With accreditation as an OISC Level 1 Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Regulated Immigration Advisor, Richard heads the Visa Application arm of IRARA. His profound knowledge and experience in international migration have earned him recognition as a leader in the field. He is committed to fostering cross-functional collaboration, sharing valuable insights and best practices to drive collective advancement.
Richard plays a pivotal role in formulating and executing strategies to enhance innovation within IRARA and the broader reintegration services landscape. His dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate complex challenges make him an indispensable asset to the organisation and the industry as a whole.
Regional Director – Horn of Africa
Regional Director – Horn of Africa
For over 15 years, Ahmed has been involved in development and humanitarian organisations. He has held senior management roles with organisations including DRC, DDG, Kimetrica, and Crown Agents. Throughout this time, he has managed multi-funded projects and worked with a variety of agencies and actors from across the migration and reintegration sector, these include; USAID, WORLD BANK, SIDA, DANIDA, NORWAY, EU, Netherlands, DFID, SSF, MANPADS, ECHO, SHF, OFDA, FFP and UN agencies.
Ahmed is now IRARA’s Regional Director for the East and the Horn of Africa and manages the teams throughout Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Mission Director – Pakistan
Mission Director – Pakistan
Umad brings over a decade of progressive experience in Pakistan’s development and humanitarian sectors, with deep expertise in migration management, governance, counter-trafficking and return and reintegration programming. He has successfully led and delivered complex, multi-stakeholder projects addressing Returns & Reintegration, Trafficking in Persons (TIP), and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), working closely with government counterparts, civil society, and international partners. His portfolio includes managing donor-funded programs supported by the UK Home Office, European Union and UN agencies.
A Chartered Accountant (ICAP) by qualification, Umad combines strong financial governance and compliance expertise with strategic program leadership. As Mission Director for IRARA Pakistan, based in Islamabad, he oversees national operations, donor engagement, and institutional partnerships, ensuring the effective delivery of IRARA’s mandate to protect, assist and reintegrate vulnerable migrants and returnees.
Regional Director – West Africa
Regional Director – West Africa
Roland has over 21 years of experience working in the civil society sector and at least 18 years of experience working directly on migration and related issues.
Roland Nwoha has previously worked as National Project Coordinator, for the NGO, Idia Renaissance and as the Executive Director of Advocacy for Inclusion and Support Initiative (ADIS), and has implemented some of the biggest migration projects in Nigeria including the European Reintegration Instrument (ERI), European Return and Reintegration Network (ERRIN) with several International NGOs across Europe and in the USA.
He manages the Benin City head office as well as the Lagos and Abuja offices of IRARA in Nigeria.
He is a recipient of the Nigerian Government Award of Excellence for providing sustainable reintegration of migrants in Edo State and Nigeria.
Centre of Excellence Manager
Centre of Excellence Manager
Mr. Abdul Qader Omari has accumulated over 20 years of professional work experience, during which he has held various roles with reputable organizations. His experience includes working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the capacities of Admin/HR Associate and as a Reintegration Case Manager in Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). He also contributed to the UN-IOM mission in Afghanistan, where he served as a National Program Officer and implemented multi-donor-funded projects in collaboration with several ministries and directorates in Afghanistan.
Additionally, Mr. Omari served as a National Governance Officer with UNAMA, providing valuable advice on good governance to the Provincial Governor, taking into consideration Afghanistan’s National Development Strategy and National Priority Programs. His professional engagement extended to collaborating with USAID, the US Embassy – Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, European Member States, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of the Australian Government. Mr. Omari holds an MA in Political Science from Maharashtra, India.
Since June 2020, Mr. Omari has assumed the role of Country Director at IRARA Afghanistan. Recently, he has transitioned to IRARA UAE to take on the position of Head of the IRARA Centre of Excellence. His extensive experience and expertise make him an asset in his current capacity.
Managing Director - IRARA Secure Solutions
Managing Director - IRARA Secure Solutions
Global Partnerships Director
Global Partnerships Director
Yorck has over 8 years’ experience working in the field of the European policy of Migration. He worked as a seconded national expert (SNE) to the DG Migration and Home within the unit “Irregular Migration and Return.” During this time he oversaw The Gambia and Reintegration. In addition, he has worked for over 15 years in South Africa in the field of vocational training and sports development. Yorck holds a degree of a Diplom-Handelslehrer (University Mannheim) and a Masters in Africa studies from the University of the Free State (Bloemfontein/South Africa).
Yorck is based in Geneva, building our partnerships with global NGOs, delivery partners and Governments.
Mission Director – Sri Lanka
Mission Director – Sri Lanka
Priya Manoharan, with over 20 years of experience, leads IRARA’s operations in Colombo. She holds a Master’s degree in South Asia Studies and postgraduate diplomas in Journalism, Mass Communication, and Human Rights. Priya oversees an exceptional team in Sri Lanka that develops tailored integration plans and provides essential support for individuals returning from various European countries. Her strategic leadership ensures comprehensive and dignified reintegration efforts, fostering a supportive environment for her team.
Priya’s ability to build strong relationships with NGOs and government bodies is crucial to the success of IRARA’s mission. These partnerships enhance collaboration and facilitate the seamless reintegration of returnees, respecting human rights and dignity. Her oversight and guidance have driven her team to achieve significant milestones, ensuring alignment with IRARA’s objectives.
In addition to her role at IRARA, Priya’s extensive background includes working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Government of Sri Lanka. This experience has enriched her expertise in international relations and further strengthened her leadership skills. Priya’s achievements include implementing effective reintegration strategies, enhancing collaboration with key partners, and fostering a supportive working environment, making her an invaluable asset to IRARA.
Mission Director India
Mission Director India
For more than two decades, Santosh has been a distinguished leader in international development, specialising in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and supporting individuals returning to India after a period of absence, along with their reintegration. With a wealth of over 20 years of experience, Santosh spearheads IRARA’s operations in India as a senior executive, focusing particularly on the Punjab region where the organisation experiences the highest number of returns. Under his leadership, his team supports reintegration efforts across all parts of India, coordinating with stakeholders in the UK and European countries.
Santosh’s extensive qualifications include a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Sikkim Manipal University. His career highlights encompass successful engagements in various sectors, including agriculture, public health, and urban development, with notable projects such as the E-Health Card initiative and the NDD App for the Government of India.
As a seasoned leader, Santosh manages a diverse team of over 70 professionals, ensuring efficient project delivery and overcoming operational challenges. His expertise in return and reintegration processes has been instrumental in developing sustainable solutions, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Santosh’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have significantly contributed to impactful outcomes in international development.
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