The Migration Agency is proud to offer innovative talent solutions to connect employers with top talent whilst creating opportunities for individuals to up-skill and grow their career in Australia.
One such innovative program available under TMA’s Talent Mobility solutions is the Displaced Talent program which aims to connect skilled refugees and displaced persons – such as nurses, engineers, and trades people – with Australian employers. This program, called the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot, helps to address critical skills shortages, and was designed to complement traditional humanitarian resettlement efforts while removing the barriers often faced by skilled refugees when pursuing traditional migration pathways.
The pilot program was developed and launched in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries in July 2021. Initially set for 100 refugees plus families, the program expanded in 2022 to include 200 additional places. It currently offers 500 primary visa places up until June 2025 and now covers over 900 occupations.
Key features of the pilot
To utilise the Pilot program, both businesses and skilled individuals must register their interest.
Employers must be endorsed and enter into a company-specific labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. Candidates are added to the secure Displaced Talent Catalog for validation and vetting. This endorsement system enables targeted matching by connecting employers with pre-screened candidates who meet specific job requirements.
We support both employers and candidates through the recruitment and visa process, creating a reliable and mutually beneficial dynamic for both employers and displaced individuals.
Key differences from existing migration pathways
The Skilled Refugee Pilot differs from Australia’s existing migration pathways – such as the Humanitarian Program and the General Skilled Migration (GSM) – in a few notable ways.
- Target Candidates: The Skilled Refugee Pilot specifically targets refugees and displaced individuals who may not qualify for humanitarian visas and focuses on countries where work rights are limited.
- Employer Involvement: The scheme requires active employer participation through labour agreements and offers tailored support for refugee-specific challenges, unlike other pathways, which involve less engagement and support.
- Candidate Accessibility: Candidates are provided with tailored concessions – such as relaxed documentation requirements – alongside streamlined recruitment processes, making it more accessible for refugees than other pathways.
Benefits for employers and refugees
There are several key benefits for both employers and candidates when pursuing this pathway.
Barrier removal
The program removes common barriers for refugees, such as skills assessments, age limits, and work experience requirements, while ensuring employers meet sponsorship obligations. It also allows lower English proficiency, requiring only functional English (IELTS 4.5).
Reduced reliance on social services
The pilot reduces reliance on social services whilst simultaneously contributing to tax revenues. This makes it a strategic economic solution rather than solely a humanitarian effort.
Expanded Visa Options
Candidates are given access to employer-sponsored visas, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) leading to permanent residency for candidates and their family.
End-to-End Process Support
We provide assistance on all stages of the process, including talent mapping and sourcing, visa applications, and our partner TBB offers settlement support, and integration services, ensuring successful transitions for refugees and reducing administrative burdens for employers.
The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Program fills critical workforce shortages while offering displaced, skilled individuals pathways to permanent residency, creating a win-win solution for economic growth and humanitarian inclusion.
To find out if your organisation would benefit from the program, book a consultation with one of our immigration specialists.
