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In the photo above, a man seen wearing a business suit is driving a taxi. This is reflective of how overqualified immigrants and refugees are working any job they can in order to make enough money to support their families, even if they have the credentials to work in the industry that they are trained for.
Many immigrants and refugees have a difficult time integrating into the Canadian society and adjusting to this new lifestyle in a foreign country. This article highlights these barriers that people have, focusing specifically on finding a suitable employment. As the arrivals of Syrian refugees continue, sponsors and funding will be able to give some financial stability to families; however, these families will eventually need their own source of income. Although it would beneficial if the Syrians could find a job in the profession that they are trained for, linguistic barriers are a setback. Even though some of them are fluent in English, they can be hesitant to express themselves and show their full potential due to a lack of confidence. Many may also choose to take on a job requiring less skill just for the sake of making money so they could feed their families. Lack of networking/connections and legitimacy of certificates and qualifications play a role as well in limiting opportunities.
In the long term, immigrants and refugees will ultimately have an impact on the economy. Although they are willing to work in the job market as waitresses or cab drivers, there are more beneficial options for them. These people have the potential to bring the economy up by increasing productivity, but they need to be working in the profession that they are educated for and they need to be given an opportunity by employers.
Employers can overlook Syrian refugees because or they would rather hire someone taught in Canada with reliable credentials. What actions can be taken to help these refugees portray their skills and knowledge in their respective fields so they can find suitable jobs that they are qualified for?
Is this situation entirely bad (think about how this is a new start for the refugees and it is already their second chance)?
Find the full article at: The Globe and Mail