The Australian economy could benefit to the tune of over $1 billion if more was done to harness the skills of migrants and refugees.
That is the conclusion of a new report launched in Canberra on Tuesday as the nation marked World Refugee Day.
The report, Billion Dollar Benefit, by non-profit Settlement Services International set out barriers that limit the workforce potential of migrants and refugees and recommends five solutions to unleash their talent by 2025.
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said unlike most OECD countries, where migrants tend to be less qualified than the locally born population, the opposite is true in Australia, where one in four permanent skilled migrants are working below their skill level.
"This is costing individuals the chance of meaningful employment, costing employers and also our economy $1.25 billion in lost wages alone every five years," she said.
Steps such as improving the skills and qualifications recognition system, strengthening protections for migrant workers, reviewing the right to work for people on temporary visas, partnerships across various sectors and reforming English language requirements could have major benefits.
Dr Mohammad Zubair Harooni, a refugee and former United Nations HIV program specialist, has been unable to find work in his field despite a 15-year medical career in Afghanistan and an Australian master's degree in public health.
"Unfortunately, when I moved to Australia, I applied for several jobs and was selected for the interviews," he said.
"But I experienced challenges because of my lack of Australian work experience. Not having a working background in Australia was likely the reason I was rejected."
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said migrants and refugees deserved the opportunity to realise their full potential.
"Providing sustainable pathways to meaningful employment is key to supporting migrants and refugees to build a sense of belonging and inclusion in Australia," he said.
"Like any other Australian, refugees and migrants deserve the opportunity to use their professional skills, experience and qualifications to build lives and livelihoods in Australia that are productive and fulfilling."
Mr Giles will attend the launch of the report on Tuesday, at a fair outside Parliament House in Canberra.
