Hiring displaced talent in Australia

Recruit top talent and demonstrate your corporate values to the world.

Program overview

In Australia, Talent Beyond Boundaries works with the Australian Government to deliver the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot program. The program was launched in July 2021 and extended for a further 2 years in July 2023. There are 500 primary applicant visa places available to candidates under this program between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2025.

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.

Under the pilot, employers endorsed by TBB can enter into a company-specific labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. The labour agreement allows the employer to sponsor TBB-endorsed job seekers for one of the following visas:

And access a number of concessions, including:

  • Waiver of skills assessment and minimum work experience requirements;

  • Reduction of minimum English language requirements to 'Functional English' (equivalent IELTS 4.5 averaged across all bands), demonstrated via approved testing;

  • No labour market testing requirements;

  • Increase in age requirements allowing sponsorship of people up to 55 years old (for ENS and SESR visas); and

  • Flexible arrangements for documentation gaps, including passports.

The Department of Home Affairs has approved over 900 occupations that can be sponsored under the labour agreement.

Eligibility

To participate in this pilot, Australian employers must first be endorsed by TBB. To begin the process, employers should complete our request to hire form. We will then set up a meeting to learn more about your recruitment needs and discuss whether this program is a good fit.

With TBB's support, employers themselves are able to assess a refugee candidate's skills and experience to determine whether they are suitable to work in Australia under this pilot. To be considered for employment, displaced job seekers need to satisfy TBB’s eligibility criteria, be endorsed by TBB, and be sponsored by an Australian employer.

Step-by-step process

  • 1) Identify role

    Employer identifies role/s that fall into one of the approved occupations in the pilot and provide TBB with a job description. We identify suitable candidates from our talent pool, check their visa eligibility, and provide a shortlist.

  • 2) Recruitment

    TBB supports the remote recruitment process and any other skills validation/testing required. If a TBB applicant is the preferred candidate, the employer issues a job offer and contracts are signed.

  • 3) Immigration

    TBB connects employer with expert migration agent advice, and supports employer and candidate through the visa application process

  • 4) Relocation

    TBB help employers prepare for the arrival of their new recruit. Once the candidate and their family is safely in Australia, we work with relevant settlement services in the local area to ensure they are supported to flourish.

  • 5) Post-arrival

    We provide ongoing support via regular check-ins with the candidate and their line manager for 12 months post-arrival. If necessary, we can also arrange cultural awareness training for the workplace.

Recruitment

Once a role has been identified, TBB will present a shortlist of candidates to an employer for review. The employer then has the option to take any/all of these candidates through their normal recruitment process (interviews, skills tests, etc). We can organise remote interviews in accordance with any specific format required. When the recruitment process is complete, employers can extend an official job offer to their preferred candidate/s.

The job offer must:

  • Meet Australia's National Employment Standards;

  • Be a full-time employment contract for at least two years with the possibility of renewal;

  • Offer a base salary of $70,000, with some roles able to offer a base salary of $63,000,

Autonomous access

We are also supportive of ‘autonomous access’, meaning that - where Australian employers connect with displaced job seekers independently - TBB may be able to support both parties through the immigration and relocation process (keeping in mind that a job offer alone does not guarantee eligibility for immigration to Australia).

Referral partners

If you you an individual or organisation working with refugees and other displaced people, you can partner with TBB to provide your clients with access to pilot (providing they are eligible candidates). We invite partners to directly job-match eligible refugee candidates with roles in Australia that meet the requirements of the program. Learn how.

Immigration and relocation

Once a job offer is made and accepted, employers must enter into a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs (with TBB’s endorsement) and lodge an application for the relevant visa for the candidate. We recommend that employers use a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to assist with this process, and we are happy to refer employers to a suitable practitioner.

To secure a visa under the pilot, a candidate must:

  • Sit an approved English test and secure a score of 'functional English' or at least 4.5 IELTS;

  • Complete a medical assessment with a panel physician to confirm they meet the health requirement for the visa. This includes X-rays for members of the family aged 11 and above;

  • Secure police checks for any country where they have lived for more than 12 months (unless it is unsafe to do so, in which case TBB will secure alternative arrangements).

Welcoming new arrivals

While we wait for visa applications to be approved, TBB works with employers to make arrangements for the relocation of successful candidate/s to Australia. We meet with candidates to understand their needs and develop a settlement plan, and connect families to local support services upon arrival. TBB can also organise cultural awareness training for the workplace if required.

Successful candidates usually begin work two weeks after arrival in country. We stay connected with the employer, candidate and their family for 12 months post relocation to help ensure a good settlement experience.

“This program is win-win. Businesses have the opportunity to fill genuine skills shortages and it gives workers the dignity and economic security only a job can provide.

Jennifer Westacott | Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia

Timeline

Applications lodged under the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot will receive priority processing. On average, we expect the immigration process to take around three months. That said, visa processing times vary widely from case to case.

Costs

The cost to employers is in line with any international hire, and is comprised mostly of:

  • Visa application and associated charges (AUD $10,000-$20,000 on average, dependent on size and circumstances of the chosen candidate and their family);

  • Immigration legal fees (for assistance with the visa process); and

  • General relocation costs such as flights and temporary accommodation upon arrival. (Employers are expected to offer TBB candidates the same relocation package they would any comparable international hire).

TBB does not charge a fee for the recruitment and settlement coordination services that we provide. However, as a non-profit organization, we encourage employers to consider a charitable donation (receipts provided) to support out work.

Getting started

Interested in hiring displaced job seekers in Australia?

Complete our request to hire form today or contact us for more information.

 

FAQ

  • Our model is employer-driven. TBB shortlists candidates based simply on how closely their skills and experience match the job description provided by an employer.

    The more information we have, the stronger a shortlist we can provide. The final decision about whether or not to hire a candidate is always made independently by the employer.

  • Yes, TBB may be able to assist you with the immigration and relocation process (depending on the role you are hiring for and the specific circumstances of the candidate).

    However we can only assist candidates who have registered on the Talent Catalog - so before you reach out to us, ensure your preferred candidate has signed up.

    Email us with details of the role you’re hiring for and your candidate’s TBB registration number. We will then be able to assess our ability to assist you.

  • If you you an individual or organisation working with refugees and other displaced people, you can partner with TBB to provide your clients with access to pilot (providing they are eligible candidates). We invite partners to directly job-match eligible refugee candidates with roles in Australia that meet the requirements of the program. Learn how.

  • Yes. The primary visa applicant is entitled to bring their spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children with them to Australia.

  • The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot is designed to be complementary and in addition to Australia’s commitments to refugee resettlement under the humanitarian program.

    There will be no reduction in Australia’s humanitarian intake as a result of this pilot program, and applying for or obtaining a job through this pilot will not make people ineligible for humanitarian resettlement in future.

    TBB’s entire purpose and mission is to support more refugees to move out of displacement and rebuild their lives in dignity.

  • Yes, there are other ways to contribute to the work of refugee labour mobility:

    Donate: TBB is a non-profit organization. Funding partners make donations of all sizes to support our work helping refugees resume their careers and rebuild their lives. You can make a donation here, or contact us to discuss different options for support.

    Volunteer: Giving your time as a volunteer is another way to support TBB. There are a variety of opportunities in Australia for volunteers, interns and pro-bono advisors with the skills and drive to support our mission. Please complete this Volunteer Registration form to let us know how you’d like to get involved.