Skilled Migrants in Australia Face Employment Barriers, Report Shows

Skilled migrants in Australia often struggle to secure jobs that match their qualifications, with a 2024 report by Deloitte Access Economics revealing that nearly half of the country’s migrants work below their skill level. This professional underutilization creates significant challenges for newcomers, particularly those without local experience, as employers frequently prioritize candidates with familiarity with Australian markets and practices.

Why Are Skilled Migrants Struggling to Find Work in Australia?

Migrants like Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar, who moved to Melbourne from India, face a paradox: they need local experience to gain employment, but local experience requires employment. Job listings often demand “demonstrated experience engaging Australian stakeholders” or “familiarity with the local media landscape,” according to Rakshitha’s account.

“Employers want someone who can hit the ground running, but it still stings,” Ravishankar said, highlighting the disconnect between international credentials and local expectations. This gap is exacerbated by a lack of recognition of overseas qualifications, as noted in her personal experience.

What Are the Barriers to Employment for Migrants?

Key barriers include:

• Employers’ preference for local experience, creating a “Catch-22” for newcomers.
• Difficulty in translating international work experience into Australian contexts.
• Limited access to professional networks, which are critical for job searches.

Ravishankar has reached out to communications professionals and consultants, noting that “networking has become less of a job-search tactic and more about finding community.”

How Are Migrants Adapting to These Challenges?

Many migrants are turning to networking and skill-building to bridge the gap. Ravishankar, for instance, has reached out to communications professionals and consultants, noting that “networking has become less of a job-search tactic and more about finding community.”

What Are the Long-Term Implications of Migrant Underemployment?

Underemployment among migrants has broader economic consequences. A 2023 Productivity Commission report estimated that fully utilizing skilled migrant labor could add a substantial amount annually to Australia’s GDP. Conversely, prolonged underemployment risks driving talent to other countries, as seen in a 2022 survey by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which found that a significant proportion of skilled migrants considered leaving Australia due to employment challenges.

“This isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a systemic issue that affects the economy,” said economist Paul Bongiorno. “Policies that streamline credential recognition and support professional integration are critical.”

What Solutions Are Being Proposed?

Several initiatives aim to address these challenges:

• Government-funded credential assessment programs, such as the Skills Recognition and Assessment Service (SRAS).
• Employer incentives to hire migrants, including tax breaks for companies that meet diversity targets.
• Community-led mentorship networks, like the Migrant Women’s Leadership Program.

The Australian Industry Group has called for “greater collaboration between employers, government, and migrants to align skills with market needs.”

As Ravishankar continues her job search, she emphasizes the importance of resilience. “It’s about rebuilding a professional identity in a new country—patience, humility, and more coffee catch-ups than I ever expected,” she said. For Australia, the challenge remains to turn these personal struggles into systemic solutions that unlock the full potential of its migrant workforce.