Last week, I met Mohsen – a highly educated mortgage broker with extensive experience in banking. Mohsen’s journey to owning his own brokerage is far from typical. Born in Iran, he was forced to seek safety in Australia, where he had to begin his career again, initially struggling to find work due to limited English language proficiency, visa status, and lack of local networks.

The NSW Settlement Partnership, a dynamic network of leading organisations led by Settlement Services International (SSI), is celebrating seven years of supporting refugees and migrants to settle in Australia.

Two organisations deeply involved in migration to Australia have today signed an MOU to develop programs and initiatives to support new migrants.

SSI Arts & Culture have collaborated with PYT Fairfield to present a special work-in-progress showing of ‘Carpet Stories,’ a multidisciplinary theatre performance that facilitates creative conversations within Sydney’s multicultural LGBTIQ community.

Acclaimed social researcher Professor Stephen Castles says migrants are being used as scapegoats by politicians as they exploit their constituents’ increased feeling of vulnerability and frustration with infrastructure.

The evidence of the benefits of migration is disconnected from public perception, say migration leaders at an international conference in Sydney this week.

Recent media reports have highlighted migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum as highly vulnerable at work. Accounts of low-paid work, unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions, exploitation and abuse are not uncommon. 

Syrian-born AbdAlmassih had enjoyed a successful IT career that spanned more than two decades in his homeland. A proficient programmer specialising in design, development, and integration, AbdAlmassih built on his experience with prominent corporations and public sector entities in Syria to establish his own IT company. “I love IT, it’s my area of expertise – […]

A passionate painter, Ali balances his art and graphic design with a security job, studying and plans to mentor the next generation of Australia’s diverse artists. Ali’s arts career started at a young age. At 12 years old, Ali had his first exhibition in his local town in Syria exploring themes of nature and the […]

“I love IT, it’s my area of expertise – my specialty. It’s what I know best. I want to put my skills to use in this great country.” Read Full Story “Workers with overseas qualifications can be a valuable addition to business as they bring new ideas, diverse skills and experience.” Read Full Story “Everyone […]

Amidst the challenges of skills shortages, an aging population, and escalating cost of living pressures, it is critical all Australian residents are supported to reach their potential and contribute to their community. 

Reforms announced yesterday could bring Australia closer towards realising a migration program that meets the needs of industry, employers and migrants alike, while retaining our reputation as a destination of choice, according to leading non-profit organisation Settlement Services International (SSI).

Wide-ranging ranging reforms put forward by a major inquiry into the Federal Government’s system to support disadvantaged jobseekers would create a more equitable system that delivers specialist support and better employment outcomes for migrant and refugees, according to non-profit SSI, which provides employment support to jobseekers across NSW, Queensland and Victoria. 

Report finds recognising refugees’ and migrants’ skills would boost economy.

Almost 100 people, including young people, gathered to learn about the unique challenges and opportunities facing young migrants and refugees at a dedicated Youth Symposium last month.