Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility: Expanding Opportunities for Displaced Talent
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Enhancing Refugee Access to Global Labour Markets
Currently, the global resettlement opportunities for refugees are limited, with only a small percentage gaining access each year. This leaves countless displaced individuals without stable futures and wastes valuable skills. Labour complementary pathways offer a new avenue for refugees, allowing them to leverage their skills in third countries through migration programs, while still addressing their protection needs.
With this objective in mind, the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility has been established, with Canada as its first chair. This initiative aims to expand labour migration opportunities for refugees by collaborating with international partners. The task force’s inaugural meeting included leaders from Canada, Australia, the United Nations, and several key organizations, focusing on the potential impact of labour mobility for refugees.
Canada’s Leadership in Refugee Labour Mobility
Canada continues to lead in welcoming international talent to address labour shortages and boost economic recovery. Complementary pathways will supplement humanitarian resettlement efforts, creating more opportunities for skilled refugees to settle abroad. This initiative aligns with Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, which facilitates refugee immigration by recognizing their skills and eliminating barriers.
The task force will engage various stakeholders to increase the flow of skilled refugees to Canada, addressing labour shortages in critical areas. Throughout the year, the task force will conduct activities to enhance these pathways’ implementation and tackle policy challenges. A comprehensive report on these efforts will be prepared by 2024, outlining successes and recommendations for future scaling.
Notable Perspectives on Labour Pathways
“Labour complementary pathways provide win-win solutions. They offer meaningful protection avenues for refugees, while meeting labour market demands and supporting community growth.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser
“Skilled refugees significantly enrich receiving countries’ economies and labour markets. Australia’s pilot program exemplifies our commitment to fostering global dialogue on these pathways.” – The Honourable Alex Hawke
“Labour pathways transform lives by offering protection and opportunities for refugees to contribute positively to their host countries.” – Filippo Grandi
Global Collaboration for Refugee Integration
The task force will explore how skilled refugees can contribute to new communities, providing them with safety and opportunities to utilize their talents. By fostering these pathways, the task force supports not only humanitarian commitments but also economic growth across various sectors.
Key Facts about Labour Complementary Pathways
- The Global Compact on Refugees emphasizes complementary pathways to expand durable solutions for refugees.
- UNHCR’s Three-Year Strategy promotes multi-stakeholder task forces for labour, education, and family reunification pathways.
- Labour pathways rely on collaboration among governments, employers, and NGOs to integrate skilled refugees into new communities.
- The Global Task Force comprises diverse members with experience in refugee resettlement and is open to new participants.
- Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot helps bridge skilled refugees with specific labour market needs.
- Australia’s pilot program with Talent Beyond Boundaries offers skilled refugees pathways to live and work in Australia.
Associated Links
- Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility
- Global Compact on Refugees
- Three-Year Strategy on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (2019–2021)
- Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary, Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
