Introduction
Asylum seekers and refugees are often viewed as a burden, but they bring a wealth of skills and potential to the countries they arrive in. These individuals, fleeing persecution, violence, and conflict, often possess a range of educational backgrounds and professional experiences. This article explores the career paths available to asylum seekers and refugees, examining the challenges they face and the opportunities they present.
Skills and Employment Rights
When refugees and asylum seekers arrive in a new country, they are often required to navigate complex systems and bureaucratic processes to secure employment. In some countries, such as Australia, refugees are selected based on their skills, health, and language abilities before being matched with job positions they qualify for. In Canada, asylum seekers have the right to work, but they must first obtain a work permit. The availability of work depends on their skills, academic qualifications, and prior Canadian work experience.
Real People, Real Skills
Despite common stereotypes, asylum seekers are real people who need help and have valuable skills to contribute. For instance, a Syrian refugee in Sweden, having graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Aleppo, currently works as a senior web developer and tech lead. This example demonstrates that refugees can fulfill a variety of roles, from skilled professions like medicine and technology to more labor-intensive jobs.
Employment in Different Settings
Employment opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees vary widely depending on their country and the specific context. In some towns, unskilled labor such as fruit picking, housekeeping, and construction work dominates. For instance, in small towns, refugees often engage in blueberry picking or work in nursing homes. In other regions, the diversity of jobs is more varied, with skilled professionals working in IT, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Challenges and Opportunities
The integration process for refugees can be complex. They often face linguistic and cultural barriers, as well as potential racism, which can impede their ability to find the right job. For example, well-educated Syrian refugees in Germany may become coders or work in other sectors where demand is high. However, the language barrier can be a significant challenge, as it may take a considerable amount of time to learn the new language.
On the other hand, refugees with minimal education may find it difficult to integrate, as seen with the integration of Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Despite these challenges, working as soon as possible is often the best strategy for refugees. Work provides an opportunity to make friends, learn a language, and understand the culture. However, it often means starting over and rebuilding their professional lives.
Some countries have programs to help refugees find employment more quickly. For instance, in Florida, foreign doctors can be certified as nurses to work in the health sector until they pass their medical boards. This approach helps refugees contribute to the workforce while they continue their integration process.
It's important to note that many refugees also create jobs for others. The success stories of refugee entrepreneurs, such as the founder of WhatsApp and high-ranking officials at Google with Syrian roots, illustrate the potential of refugees to positively impact their new communities.
Finally, while integration takes time and support, the contributions made by refugees, both economically and culturally, can have a significant and positive impact on their new country. By recognizing and leveraging the skills and experiences of asylum seekers and refugees, we can foster a more inclusive and resilient society.