A recent study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) reveals that after ten years in Australia, many refugees who previously held managerial or professional roles are now facing significant challenges in securing similar employment. The report highlights a concerning trend of “occupational downgrade” among refugees.
The findings show that prior to arriving in Australia, approximately 30% of employed women and 19% of employed men were engaged in high-skilled labour. After a decade, these figures dramatically dropped to just 17% for women and 10% for men. This decline is particularly noticeable among female refugees, with over two-thirds of those who were once managers or professionals now out of paid work a decade later. The majority of those who do find work are mostly employed in lower-skilled positions, such as carers, cleaners, education aides, or sales assistants.
Lead author John van Kooy emphasised that although refugees possess valuable skills and experiences that could benefit the Australian workforce, they often struggle to have their qualifications recognised by potential employers. He noted that refugees frequently face interruptions in their careers due to forced migration and the visa approval process, which often delays their ability to find suitable employment. Language barriers can further complicate their job search.
Van Kooy urged employers to reconsider their hiring practices, suggesting that many refugees could fill crucial gaps in sectors such as engineering, allied health, and education. The study surveyed around 2,400 humanitarian migrants over the course of ten years, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes and support systems to aid refugees in integrating into their professional fields in Australia.
Overall, this research underscores the challenges faced by refugees in the Australian job market and calls for greater recognition of their capabilities to help them re-establish their careers.