Harnessing untapped potential of skilled migrants and refugees already living in Australia provides a solution to national skills shortages and add billions to the economy by 2025, according to a report set to be released on World Refugee Day.
Billion Dollar Benefit: A roadmap for unleashing the economic potential of refugees and migrants report, by non-profit Settlement Services International (SSI) outlines key barriers that limit the workforce potential of migrants and refugees and recommends five solutions to unleash their talent by 2025.
With 80% of skilled migrants’ qualifications not recognised for work in Australia, and one in four permanent migrants working beneath their skill level, removing the barriers for migrant and refugee participation in the economy not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do.
Tapping into this skilled workforce can fill critical skill gaps, enhance social cohesion, provide sustainable employment opportunities, and inject billions into the Australian economy.
The report draws on consultation with more than 50 experts across five sectors and has been endorsed by major organisations, including The Australian Council of Social Services, IKEA, the Settlement Council of Australia, and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)
World Refugee Day Fair: Showcasing the skills and contributions of refugees in Australia
SSI is holding a World Refugee Day Fair at Parliament House to celebrate the economic contributions of refugees and highlight the systematic barriers preventing them from participating in the workforce to their full potential.
The event will feature stalls and food from refugee-led businesses, refugee service providers, and employers who have enriched their workforces with skilled refugees.
It will conclude with a joint press conference to launch the report and answer questions on its findings.
- Date: Tuesday 20 June 2023
- Time:
- Official opening: 11.30am
- Press Conference: 12.30pm - 1.00pm
- Event close: 2.00pm
- Location: The lawns of Parliament House, Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT
Media are encouraged to attend the event and press conference.
If you are interested in attending or covering the event, please contact SSI Senior Communications Officer Jordan Wood (M: 0403 082 926, E: jwood@ssi.org.au)
About us:
About SSI:
Settlement Services International (SSI) delivers a range of human services that connect individuals, families, and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities - including settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives and training and employment pathways. At the heart of everything we do is a drive for equality, empathy, and celebration of every individual.
Contact details:
Jordan wood, Senior Communications Officer.
M: 0403 082 926 E: jwood@ssi.org.au