Partnering for Displaced Talent Mobility

11 Nov

In a significant step towards empowering skilled refugees and addressing critical skills shortages in Australia, Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) and the Malak Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This partnership represents a shared commitment to creating sustainable employment pathways for displaced individuals, leveraging their skills to fill talent gaps and provide them with opportunities for a brighter, more secure future.

What is the TBB Pilot Program?

Talent Beyond Boundaries works with the Australian Government to deliver the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot program. Launched in July 2021, the Pilot was extended in 2023 to give approximately 500 refugee applicants the chance to move to Australia for work and to help Australian employers to find the talent they are struggling to fill due to systemic skill shortages.

Co-designed by TBB, the pilot aims to remove barriers that displaced people face when trying to access employer-sponsored skilled migration pathways and make it easier for Australian employers to hire from this overlooked talent pool.

A Shared Mission

Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) has a clear mission: to open international employment pathways for skilled refugees, enabling them to utilize their talents and secure better futures. TBB envisions a world where forcibly displaced individuals can move beyond mere survival and thrive by contributing their expertise to global economies. By connecting skilled refugees with employers facing talent shortages, TBB transforms the lives of those displaced by conflict, giving them a chance to rebuild their careers and lives in new, welcoming communities.

On the other hand, the Malak Foundation is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities, particularly refugees, displaced persons, and marginalized populations in conflict-affected regions. The Foundation focuses on fostering resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable growth through innovative initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being. With a deep commitment to capacity building and strategic partnerships, the Malak Foundation aims to unlock economic opportunities and inspire hope for a sustainable future.

Objectives of the Partnership

This MOU sets out a collaborative framework where TBB and the Malak Foundation will work together to address skills shortages in Australia, meet employer needs, and advance the mobility of displaced talent. Both organizations recognise that skilled refugees possess valuable talents that can meet the pressing demands of various sectors in Australia. By opening doors to skilled visa opportunities, this partnership aims to harness the untapped potential of displaced individuals.

The key objectives of this partnership include:

Addressing Skills Shortages: By focusing on sectors with significant talent gaps, TBB and Malak Foundation will enable skilled refugees to fill critical roles in the Australian workforce.
Meeting Employer Needs: The partnership will facilitate access to a new pool of talent, helping employers overcome recruitment challenges by connecting them with skilled refugees.
Supporting Relocation and Settlement: Both organizations will assist employers in hiring and relocating refugees, ensuring a smooth transition and positive settlement experience for candidates and their families.
Documenting Impact: By tracking outcomes and documenting lessons learned, TBB and Malak Foundation aim to refine their approach, optimizing future initiatives to benefit both displaced individuals and the communities they join.

Guiding Principles of the Partnership

TBB and Malak Foundation are committed to a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and the shared goal of enhancing the lives of displaced individuals. Together, they will uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, ensuring that the best interests of refugees and their families remain at the forefront.

This partnership will be driven by collaboration and complementarity, with both organizations jointly deciding on roles and responsibilities to ensure seamless service delivery. The commitment to ethical practices will guide all efforts, ensuring that displaced individuals receive the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Visa Pathways and Settlement Support

A core component of this partnership is the focus on visa pathways and settlement support. TBB and Malak Foundation will collaborate on various initiatives to help employers hire and relocate skilled refugees. The support provided will include:

Developing Employment Opportunities: By connecting skilled refugees with employers, the partnership will help address talent shortages across various industries in Australia.
Promoting the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot: This initiative will be promoted to expand employment opportunities for refugees, providing them with pathways to permanent residency and long-term stability.
Providing Relocation Support: The partnership will assist both employers and refugees in navigating the complexities of relocation, offering tailored support to ensure a positive resettlement experience.
Enhancing Employability Through Training: Recognizing the need for continuous professional development, TBB and Malak Foundation will offer training and educational programs to equip refugees with the skills needed to thrive in their new environments.
Sharing Best Practices: By pooling resources, expertise, and lessons learned, both organizations aim to optimize the processes of refugee employment and relocation, contributing to better outcomes for all involved.

Creating Lasting Social Impact

This partnership between Talent Beyond Boundaries and the Malak Foundation exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by displaced individuals. By providing refugees with pathways to skilled employment and supporting their successful integration into new communities, the partnership not only transforms lives but also contributes to the economic growth and social fabric of host countries.

Together, TBB and the Malak Foundation are breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating a world where displaced talent can thrive, bringing hope, resilience, and positive change to the communities they join.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this partnership will unfold and the impact it will create for skilled refugees and employers in Australia. Let's build a future where talent knows no borders.