Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement

Aug 11, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

As of the 1st July 2021, the Australia Government has introduced a pilot program – namely the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement, pilot program aimed at providing skilled refugees with a pathway to work and live in Australia. In collaboration with Talent Beyond Boundaries, the pilot program enables endorsed Australian businesses and refugees to access employer sponsored migration pathways. 

The program reduces barriers for refugees whom have been forcibly displaced from their homes to, an often overlooked source of talented and skilled professionals and gives themselves and their families the opportunity to work and live in Australia. 

Specifically, Australian businesses are able to utilise a Labour Agreement to sponsor skilled refugees to become employed within their business. 

From initiation, the program has increased primary places from 100 to 200, complimentarily with the Australia’s humanitarian intake. 

How does it work? 

Employers are required to access the pilot program by entering into a company-specific labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs and allowing the TBB-endorsed refugee to become sponsored for once of the following visas:

  • Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
  • Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
  • Subclass 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage 

At present, the Department of Home Affairs have approved 683 occupations. Specifically, all occupations currently listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL) Further, 33 additional occupations including both lower skill-level and Non-ANZSCO positions are available, such as Truck Driver, Poultry Farmer, Irrigation Assistance and Machinery Supervisor.

Concessions are available for the pilot program, including but not limited to: skills assessment; age;  work experience; and English Language. Further, acknowledging the experience commonly faced by many refugees or displaced people, flexible arrangements are available for those without valid identification papers or those unable to procure police clearances for protection concerns. 

Supported by TBB, employers are able to determine and assess an individual candidates suitability for the role. 

Refugees must first be endorsed by TBB and sponsored by an Australian employer to participate. They can do so by providing detailed information about their education, skills and employment history.

 Similarly, employer’s must first be endorsed by TBB. In coordination with the TBB, employers will be asked to identity the roles in which are needed based on business need, whilst the TBB and local partner, Refugee Talent will support the employer to identify potential candidates throughout the recruitment process. The employer will then be presented with a shortly of candidates for review, from which they will have the opportunity to remotely interview candidates to determine suitability. 

Once a candidate if formally provided with a job offer and has accepted, the employer will need to apply to enter into a labour agreement, alongside TBBs endorsement and lodge a visa application for the candidate. Standard fees in amounting to visa application fees, legal fees and general relocation costs apply. The TBB and Refugee Talent do not charge fees associated with settlement services provided. Visas are generally granted within 3 months and receive priority processing, however processing times are subject to variation and are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Once approved, refugees and their families are aided by TBB and Refugee Talent to provide relocation services and support positive integration within local communities, 12 months beyond approval of the visa application. 

A unique and historic achievement in the context of humanitarian visas, determined advocacy on behalf visionary individuals, have brought the program to life. Providing to be a successful initiative, employers and individuals are urged to register their interest. 

Further information on how to commence the process can be found here: 

Employers:

To register interest: talentbeyondboundaries.org

Refugees:

To be considered for employment and sponsorship: register on TBB’s Talent Catalog,