Hiring displaced talent in Australia

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.

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.