UNHCR launches a regional information hub for refugee employment in Europe

Today, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency launched its Regional Information Hub that offers guidance to companies looking to hire refugees in Europe.

There are many benefits in hiring refugees. Companies with higher ethnic diversity outperform their competitors and European customers are more likely to buyLink is external brands that hire refugees. Refugees contribute through their taxes and help bridge the labour shortageLink is external that many European economies face. And refugees are eager to build their lives in dignity and with purpose, while contributing to their local communities.

But it’s not always easy to connect companies with refugee talent. To address that, UNHCR and partners, have developed refugee employment platforms in eight countries in Europe to connect businesses with refugees and stateless people. The platforms streamline the job placement process, provide information and support services to companies and refugees, connect integration stakeholders, enhance data on refugee profiles and market needs, build trust and give recognition to employers. Last year alone, more than 6,500 people found work or received specialized support to enter the labour markets in Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania and the UK. 

Today, UNHCR launched the Regional Information Hub which links up every Refugee Employment Platform in operation, along with guidance for companies covering legal frameworks, hiring processes, and support services for 35 countries where the national Refugee Employment Platforms are not yet available.

Businesses, Governments, NGOs, development actors, academia and refugee-led organizations joined today’s launch – a testament to the whole-of-society effort that is essential for refugee inclusion. “Connecting refugees with the right employer can transform lives” the Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly Clements reminded participants while extending a special invitation to Europe’s private sector to take a leadership role in these efforts “Governments can set policies, non-profits can provide support, and UNHCR can continue as facilitator and convener. But it is businesses who have the power to hire, train, and invest.”

If you are a company looking to hire, or a refugee looking for work you can join our efforts and find more information here.

For a brief introduction on our refugee employment platforms please see hereLink is external.

For more information, please contact:

In Geneva: Eleni Biza, biza@unhcr.org, +41 78 337 8082