Employing Refugees in Canada
Canadians plan to welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees and economic migrants to their country over the next few years. This will include Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET), a large number of Afghan refugees, and people arriving from other countries all around the world. Canadian businesses have the opportunity to employ these people, and to benefit from the many advantages this offers while being aware of the possible challenges. When a business wants to employ a refugee, it is not always easy to find a suitable candidate, and this article offers tips on how to do this successfully.
The benefits and challenges of employing a refugee
Due to their difficult transition, refugees often have a very strong work ethic and are highly motivated to succeed. Businesses can benefit from this, and from the experience and skills that refugees bring with them, as well as the positive impact of improved cultural diversity in the workplace.
On the other hand, a business may have difficulty finding a refugee candidate who is qualified for the vacant position, as the refugees seeking employment may not have the same levels of education and work experience available from local candidates. It is important to be aware that refugees may have legitimate gaps in their résumés, and this should not cause them to be excluded from further consideration.
Invest in a little extra support
Refugee employees can be an enormous asset to a business, especially if they receive support while they adjust to life in their new home country. A business can help its new employee to succeed by providing appropriate job training, assisting with English language classes, and ensuring that they are part of a mentorship program. The employer can also help the refugee to connect with any local community groups offering support.
Who else offers support?
[/vc_column_text]
Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program assists community groups to support refugees during their first year in Canada. The community groups welcome the newcomers, (both individuals and families), and assist with accommodation, food, clothing, and other essentials. They also provide social and logistical support, including language training and help with registering children in schools.
How to find a refugee job candidate
Many of the refugees coming to Canada settle in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, mainly in the cities of Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
Employers can connect with the following entities to find potential candidates:
- Refugee resettlement agencies, which help businesses find qualified candidates, and assist with translation and interpretation, new-hire paperwork, and follow-up services.
- Welcome centers, including PSR (mentioned above) and the community groups they work with.
- Immigrant-focused non-profits, community colleges, and adult education centers.
- State or regional administration websites
- Online global employment marketplace platforms, such as Joblio.
How can Joblio help you connect with your ideal candidate?
Recruiting eligible workers need not be a difficult process. Jon Purizhansky, founder of global employment platform Joblio, believes that the process of hiring international workers and refugees should be transparent and simple. As he explains, “This makes it easier for businesses to find qualified employees and helps to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to work. Every day, new businesses from all over the world join us to experience the benefits of the Joblio system.” Joblio offers the gold standard in international recruiting doing exactly this — helping businesses find qualified employees and giving everyone an opportunity to be employed.
Employers do not have to waste time searching for eligible applicants ready to work in Canada. Joblio has a database of hundreds of highly motivated candidates from developing countries looking for the security and stability of working in Canada, and Joblio’s thorough background and résumé checks allow you to confidently evaluate individual candidates.
Jon Purizhansky continues: “At Joblio, we take the time to understand your needs and find the best possible candidates for your company. We have a large pool of qualified candidates who are eager to work in Canada, and our team will do everything possible to match them with the right employer.”
Considering becoming a social impact employer?
If your business needs new skills and experience and wants to make a positive social impact, reach out to Joblio for refugee hire and retention solutions: employer@a55c80d1fd17744ac9fbfa2e38194147-821200a7cc73ca8e.elb.us-east-2.amazonaws.com
