Ontario Takes Significant Step Forward in Protecting Migrant Workers

In a major development this week, Ontario has introduced legislation to strengthen protections and increase fines for employers found to have withheld a migrant worker’s passport or work permit. The new penalties are the largest imposed on any employer for unlawful migrant employment practices, with offenders facing between $100,000 to $200,000 in fines for each worker whose rights were violated.

The legislation, known as the Working for Workers Act, also imposes penalties on individuals. Anyone who withholds a migrant’s passport or work permit can face up to 12 months in prison and up to $500,000 in fines, while corporations may be fined up to $1 million.

Anyone who preys on vulnerable members in our community has no place in our society,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Great Steps Towards Equality for Migrant Workers

This move is a great step towards creating greater equality for migrant workers. While some employers may believe that they are exempt from these penalties if they hire through staffing agencies, the reality is that they cannot always guarantee their vendors and agents are acting ethically. For instance, some vendors may charge candidates a fee or withhold their documents to ensure payment of such fees. It is not unknown for migrant workers and immigrants in Canada to pay thousands of dollars to gain employment through a chain of middlemen in their country of origin.

Joblio Has Always Stood for Human Rights

Joblio directly connects Canadian employers with their prospective employees globally thereby removing the unscrupulous middlemen from the ecosystem. Joblio protects the ethical recruitment methodology by ensuring that job applicants pay nothing to secure employment and learn the conditions of their proposed employment directly from the employers as opposed to the middlemen. Joblio’s network of ambassadors (religious organizations; NGOs and individuals) provides global recruitment reach for any employer registered on Joblio’s platform. Joblio’s Applicant Concierge Experience Program (ACE) not only ensures the humane treatment of foreign workers but also provides Canadian employers with a valuable loyalty and retention tool

Employers who work with Joblio will never face scrutiny from the government for being involved in unethical employment practices,” said Mark Reimann, VP of Government Relations at Joblio. “The Working for Workers Act is an important step forward for all migrant workers, and Joblio fully supports its passage.”

Joblio, whose Board includes David Arkless, founder and chairman of Arklight Consulting and former president of Manpower Inc., has always stood for human rights. Joblio connects employers in host countries with migrant workers seeking employment, providing transparency and an unparalleled hiring process for host country employers.

Working with Joblio means working with pillars of ethical employment,” said Jon Purizhansky, CEO of Joblio. “Our team has implemented strategies created by our founding members, including Arkless, to properly vette incoming migrant workers and match them with employment that fits their skill set.”

Choose a Proven Partner: Joblio

With migrant workers entering safer host countries on a consistent basis, employers looking to hire from this pool should choose Joblio to assist. We have removed the possibility of fraud and corruption that has created many cautionary tales about hiring migrant workers. Plus, Joblio assists migrant workers in finding gainful employment where they can utilize their skills and remain, significantly reducing employee churn.

For further information, contact Gord Bretsen, Country Manager of Canada, at gbretsen@joblio.co to start the hiring process with Joblio.

Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/blog/ontario-takes-significant-step-forward-in-protecting-migrant-workers/

Our CEO Honored to Present at Diversity Event in NYC

Our CEO, Jon Purizhansky, was honored to present at the American Jewish Committee (AJC) of New York’s State to State: From Startup Nation to Impact Nation event. This incredible event was created to celebrate a relationship between New York State and the State of Israel. In partnership with The David H Sonabend Center for Israel at The Marlene Meyerson JCC ManhattanState-to-State: From Startup Nation to Impact Nation explored Israel & New York’s mutual commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. 

With Joblio’s commitment to connecting employers with migrant and immigrant workers in a humane and mutually beneficial way, we were grateful to contribute to an event exploring other aspects of diversity and inclusion.

Utilize Joblio to Safely Source Committed Migrant Workers

Joblio is a digital solution providing benefits for employers in host countries along with benefits for migrant and immigrant workers coming in as refugees seeking work visas. We vette employers and employees, ensuring a swift hiring process.

In this work, we are able to help contribute to a global cause – that of the need for migrant workers to have safe labor conditions and jobs where their skills can be utilized. We have been able to maintain a 95% retention rate for employees placed through Joblio.

We’d love to speak with your team about ways Joblio can benefit your company. Contact us today for more information.

Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/en/blog/our-ceo-honored-to-present-at-diversity-event-in-nyc/

Gord Bretsen Joins Joblio As A Country Manager for Canada

At Joblio, we are proud of our approach to diversity and inclusion through actionable operations supported by robust technology. Ethical recruitment of migrants, immigrants, and refugees is Joblio’s mission, brought to life by the team of seasoned professionals in 45 global markets. Canada is a strategic focus region for Joblio and today we are happy to present a new team leader who will bring a breadth of experience to this strategic host market.

We’re thrilled to announce our new Canada Country Manager, Gord Bretsen. Gord brings twenty years of integrated human resources operations experience where he has mastered agency management, staffing, and strategic planning. One of the highlights of his career is a recruitment program for Newcomers Canada, helping immigrants find access to employment, resources, and federal internship programs.

Questions for Gord Bretsen

Knowing how pivotal Gord’s role is going to be in our operations, we wanted to take a minute to introduce him to you by asking a few questions.

  1. What excites you about working with Joblio?

I’m thrilled about the service offerings Joblio provides for Canadian employers. At a time of record-high labor shortages, Joblio creates a unique opportunity for employers to fulfill their workforce needs with employees that want to work and will stay with the job longer than with other sourcing companies. While conventional staffing models may provide short-term results, Joblio’s global reach and ethical recruitment platform have proven a retention rate of better than 95% after 12 months – this is something I’m so excited to be a part of! I am a service-oriented individual and am looking forward to helping both Canadian businesses and immigrants looking for work find exactly what they need.

2) Where do you think your passion for helping migrant workers comes from?

The answer is twofold. Assisting my clients to succeed in finding top-tier skilled staff is paramount and what drives me. And, I want to put my hand out to help those in need. I’ve always been a conduit for bringing people together. I love to be a part of this vocation whether I’m working to build strong teams, referring vendors that are the perfect fit for my clients, or finding meaningful work for job seekers. I believe we are in a global village and from this perspective, there are very few challenges we can’t overcome. 

3) What will be your biggest challenge in this position? How about your biggest goal for this role?

The biggest challenge will be creating a seamless, functional ecosystem between migrant workers, refugees, domestic talent, government, and NGOs across Canada. I am very excited about this challenge and the prospect of successful relationships developed during this process.

My biggest goal for this role is for Canadian employers to think of Joblio as the ‘go-to’ solution for challenging staffing needs. Not only does this help an individual seeking employment, or a company’s bottom line, but Canada as a whole.

4) Do you have any stories from working in roles like this that really resonate with you? Can you share?

Having experience in global recruitment, I have witnessed tears of joy from selected individuals from source countries. I had employees that have found the right place for them to use their passions and provide for their families. They thanked me for changing their life. Being a part of this process means I get to know the employees I’m working with. I learn their needs, wants, background, and experience, but also what drives them and will keep them motivated. Advocating for them and finding them the perfect fit means they will be satisfied and their family will be secure – I often get tear-filled hugs and lots of smiles. It’s an amazing experience.

5) What is the best piece of advice you’d give to an employer considering hiring migrant workers?

The best piece of advice I would share with an employer is what the work ethic and expanded perspective global talent can bring to an organization. I would also show them the data Joblio has produced – with a 95% retention rate, these companies don’t have to worry about the incredible employee churn that occurs in the existing job market. 

I would also remind them that Joblio extensively works with its employees before connecting them with an employer. We help them find housing, sustainable financial needs, medical care, and education to guarantee they’re settled in their new community and want to stay in the position we find for them. It’s a win-win situation. Hiring migrant workers exemplifies Canadian values of inclusion and at the same time, permits companies to meet their financial and operational goals.

How Does Joblio Work?

Whether you’re an incoming migrant worker or an employer looking to hire migrant workers, Joblio works for both sides. For employers, we save you time and money by reducing employee churn, assisting with paperwork, and expeditiously filling up open positions.

For employees, we connect employees directly with their employers and help them find the exact job that suits their experience and needs. We fast-track visas and work permits and educate employees on the culture of their host country, laws, language, health care, and more.

Additionally, we remove fraud and corruption from the hiring process, allowing both employers and employees to see one another as trusted allies. We help employers get tax credits and fulfill obligations all while finding incredibly-suited candidates. 

Contact Joblio Today

Employers looking to fill in open jobs by employing refugees, migrants, and immigrants and bring diversity equality and inclusion programs to action are welcome to reach out to Gord Bretsen directly by emailing gbretsen@joblio.co.

Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/en/blog/gord-bretsen-joins-joblio-as-a-country-manager-for-canada/

Employee Turnover and Retention Rates for Caregiving Industry

In the midst of a global staffing crisis, many industries are struggling with poor retention rates and high employee turnover. However, in some fields, such as the caregiving industry, a lack of staff could have catastrophic consequences.

After all, the shortages mean that there simply aren’t enough staff on hand to provide each resident with the care they need and deserve. In some cases, this means that some of their most basic needs are neglected. The remaining staff are also more prone to stress and burnout as they attempt to pick up the bulk of work.

As a result, it’s clear that interventions must be put in place to ensure that care standards do not slip.

Why is there a staffing crisis in the caregiving industry?

An Aging Population.

Issues with retention and turnover in the caregiving industry are not only a problem in Canada — but across the globe. This can largely be attributed to the fact, “every country in the world is experiencing growth in both the size and the proportion of older persons in the population.”

The reason for the aging population boom in Canada is clear. Firstly, the baby boomer generation was the largest in Canadian history, born during a time “when fertility levels were higher, almost reaching four children per woman.” Access to healthcare and a generally improved quality of life also means that people are living longer.

Life expectancy in Canada “increased by almost seven years between 1980 and 2020, and is projected to continue to increase in the upcoming decades.” This means that the pressure on healthcare facilities will continue to grow.

A lack of carers.

However, as the demand for these services rises, the number of people in the roles continues to shrink. Many people are dissuaded from pursuing a career in caring as it is often associated with long working hours, high-stress levels, and low pay.

Currently, the median pay for a carer is an hourly rate of $14.56 per hour — which is a far cry from the pay earned by similar vocational roles, such as nursing, where a registered nurse receives $37.31 per hour. As a result, it’s hardly surprising that those who may have had an initial interest in caregiving choose to look elsewhere.

Furthermore, many of those involved within the industry do not stick around long-term. A recent study found that:

  • 18% want to leave their jobs.
  • 14% are hoping to switch to a new industry
  • 4% looking to quit within the next four months.

What can be done to mitigate this crisis?

In order to mitigate this crisis within Canada, recruiters must find a way to encourage people to pursue the profession. This can be achieved by offering better salaries, schedules, or workplace benefits.

However, it’s also important to note that hiring foreign talent can help with the Canadian labor shortage. This is due to the simple fact that Canada needs workers, and there is an entire community of people ready and willing to work.

There are many refugees, asylum seekers, and foreign workers currently engaged within the healthcare sector. With them, they bring a wealth of practical experience and skills that help improve care standards in facilities across the country. In fact, there’s even a pathway in place for refugee health workers to obtain permanent residence within Canada as a result of this.

“At Joblio, our ongoing working relationship with companies such as Chartwell Retirement Residences and Sienna Senior Living, allow us to make it easier for employers within the healthcare sector (and beyond) to connect with people who are actively looking for work and want to make a difference,” said Jon Purizhansky, CEO and Founder of Joblio.

“We’re already embedded in migrant communities within Canada, and can help you source your ideal candidate in no time.”

To find out more about Joblio, please do not hesitate to get in touch today

Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/en/blog/employee-turnover-and-retention-rates-for-the-caregiving-industry/

How Will Population Decline Impact Global Economy?

There’s no denying that family dynamics are constantly changing – especially when it comes to how many children people are having. For example, in 1851, an average of 6.2 people lived in each Canadian household.  By 2021, this figure had fallen to 2.5. 

However, this decline in the size of a household is not only happening in Canada – but in various other countries across the world. People are simply having fewer children.

An extreme opinion on this came after a study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) stated that there are actually positive results caused by a declining population. For example, this can protect the environment as having fewer people around can result in “lower carbon emissions, less stress on global food systems, and less chase on transgressing planetary boundaries.” 

However, Joblio believes a population decline doesn’t help the environment, but does have a negative impact on the global economy and is bad for communities. 

What is population decline?

It’s normal for the global population to ebb and flow over time. Historically, populations tend to decline during war or famine, before picking up again. However, according to the UN, some of the “richest countries are beginning to see population decline” for reasons that fall beyond what we have seen before.

For example, a recent report stated that “at the global level, population decline is driven by low and falling fertility levels. In 2019, more than 40 percent of the world population lived in countries that were at or below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman; in 2021, this share climbed to 60 percent.” 

When fewer children are born, the number of people active in the workforce decreases. This has a multi-faceted impact on the global economy.

Firstly, fewer people are available to take on roles in every industry, leading to labor shortages. This results in less consumption, which “leads to fewer sales, and fewer sales lead to lower profits and thus, less economic growth.”

What countries are experiencing population decline? 

According to a recent study, experts predict the production decline will occur predominantly in eastern European countries. For example, “from 2020 to 2050, the highest drop in population, 22.5%, will be recorded in Bulgaria.” However, population decline is also having a significant impact on China. 

In fact, “the United Nations has estimated that if China’s birth rate remains at its super-low level, the country will lose nearly half of its population by the end of this century.” 

What will be the economic impact of a declining population? 

There are many different economic consequences of a declining population. For example 

  • Rising dependency ratio. The dependency ratio relates to the ratio of those not in the labor force and those within it – with the former being dependent on the latter for economic support. For example, senior citizens are the fastest-growing population group as of late and are classified as ‘dependants.’ They often require additional support from governing bodies, healthcare facilities, and their families.  According to a recent study, “rising dependency ratios will impact negatively on future growth, savings, consumption, taxation, and pensions.
  • Labor shortages. As the number of people in the work-age demographic lowers, labor shortages will present themselves more and more frequently. After all, there are simply fewer people actively looking for work. This could mean that many companies (and industries as a whole) are understaffed. 
  • Reduced spending & demand. As discussed previously, a declining population also impacts the demands for all services. This means that businesses will also begin to lose out on profits.

How can hiring refugees can help.?

“Various studies have found that hiring foreign workers can prove beneficial in curbing the impact of population decline on the job market and, consequently, the economy,” said Jon Purizhansky, CEO and Founder of Joblio. 

For example, an IDF report stated that hiring refugees could “reduce population decline, keep the size of the labor force from shrinking, improve age dependency ratios, and produce positive fiscal gains” By resolving staffing crises, the economy can keep moving or functioning as normal. 

“As such, it’s clear that tapping into the foreign talent market is an excellent way to bolster local economies. Supporting refugees also comes with the benefit of providing them with safety and security,” said Jon Purizhansky.

At Joblio, we make it easier than ever to help businesses ethically hire foreign talent, as we are already embedded within new immigrant communities. This means we can help fill empty positions within your company sooner rather than later. 

To find out more about Joblio, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.

Originally Posted: https://joblio.co/en/blog/how-will-the-population-decline-impact-the-global-economy/

3 Common Tech Mistakes For Early-Stage Startups

There are a lot of important things to think about when you’re starting a business, and technology is often one of them. But even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, there are still some basic things you need to know in order to avoid making common mistakes that can hurt your business in the long run. Here are three of the most common tech mistakes early-stage startups make, and how to avoid them.

  1. Not Having a Clear Plan for Technology

One of the biggest mistakes early-stage startups make is not having a clear plan for how they will use technology. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money as you try to figure things out as you go along.

“It’s important to sit down and map out exactly what you need from a technology standpoint before you start spending any money or signing any contracts. Once you have a plan in place, it will be much easier to find the right tools and resources to help your business succeed.” – says Jon Purizhansky.

  1. Failing to Understand Your Target Market

Another common mistake startups make is failing to understand their target market when it comes to technology. Just because you’re using the latest and greatest technology doesn’t mean your target market will be interested in it.

“It’s important to understand what type of technology your target market is using and how they want to interact with your business. Only then can you make sure you’re using the right tools to reach them.” – states Jon Purizhansky.

  1. Not Keeping Up With the Latest Trends

Finally, another mistake that startups often make is failing to keep up with the latest trends in technology. This can lead to your business being left behind as others adopt new and better ways of doing things. Make sure you’re staying up-to-date on all the latest trends in your industry so you can be sure you’re always ahead of the curve.

As explained by Jon Purizhansky, avoiding these common mistakes will go a long way towards helping your startup succeed. Technology is a critical part of any business, so it’s important to make sure you’re using it in the right way. Plan ahead, understand your target market and stay up-to-date on the latest trends to give your business the best chance for success.

Technology is a critical part of any business, but it’s important to avoid making common mistakes that can hurt your business in the long run. Plan ahead, understand your target market and stay up-to-date on the latest trends to give your business the best chance for success.

Want to Level Up Your Success? Follow these 4 Rules

Are you looking for ways to level up your success? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss four simple rules that will help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’ve been working for a while, these tips will help you get ahead. So what are you waiting for? Start reading and start leveling up!

Rule #01: Find a Job You Love

The first step to success is finding a job you love. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it will be very difficult to achieve your goals. But how do you find a job you love? Start by thinking about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. Then, look for jobs that match those skills and interests.

Recruiting agencies play a critical role in the success of an individual’s journey to a new country. It is important, then, to do your research before selecting an agency to work with. Look for an agency that has a good reputation and a history of helping people find jobs they are qualified for. Read reviews from past clients to get an idea of what the agency is like to work with. Be sure to ask lots of questions so you can be sure the agency is a good fit for you.

Today’s technological companies and platforms are not only limited to providing end-to-end solutions, but they have also focused on adapting to the needs of their customers. This means that not only do they provide efficient solutions, but they are also able to respond to the constantly changing environment and needs of their clients. In addition, these companies make sure that their services are accessible to as many people as possible.

For example, the Joblio technology platform has developed a gold standard in the field of global recruiting and launched a unique Applicant Concierge Experience (ACE) program focuses on managing the pre-departure and post-arrival migrant labor community. It helps foreign jobseekers start adapting to their new environments before they leave their home countries.

“We provide the conditions for transparent and ethical recruitment of foreign talent. We constantly ensure that our partners comply with both legal and ethical standards. Our contractual agreements incorporate a clause that prevents any partner or service provider from engaging in modern slavery.” – says the founder of Joblio Jon Purizhansky.

Rule #02: Set realistic goals

It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself, both in the short-term and the long-term. Write down your objectives and make sure they are achievable. Remember, baby steps lead to big results!

Rule #03: Stay motivated

There will be times when you feel like giving up, but it’s important to stay motivated. Think about why you’re pursuing your goals and what you’ll gain from achieving them. When you start to doubt yourself, remember your reasons for wanting to succeed.

Rule #04: Seek out mentors

One of the best ways to achieve success is to seek out mentors. Find someone who has already accomplished what you want to achieve and learn from them. Ask for advice, get feedback, and absorb as much knowledge as you can. You can even connect with Jon Purizhansky on Joblioz. He’s a great mentor and can help you take your career to the next level.

So there you have it! These are four simple, yet powerful, rules that will help you level up your success. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Thanks for reading and good luck!

Self-Care Habits of Every Successful Entrepreneur

Every day, thousands of new startups are created all over the world. However, only a small percentage of them will become successful businesses. A startup’s success depends on many factors, including the specific skills of the entrepreneur and his team, as well as the strength and necessity of the startup’s underlying idea. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in startups that aim to solve global social problems. These startups stand out not only because they offer a much-needed solution to a pressing issue, but also because they have the potential to make a positive impact on society as a whole. While it’s still too early to tell which of these startups will be successful in the long run, their very existence is an encouraging sign that we are moving in the right direction.

One of the most promising startups in recent years is Joblio, a global employment platform that is seeking to revolutionize the international labor market. Founded by Jon Purizhansky, Joblio has developed a unique approach to recruiting that aims to make the process more transparent and efficient. Using cutting-edge technology, Joblio has created a search engine that allows employers to quickly and easily find qualified candidates from all over the world. Joblio offers a range of services designed to help employers navigate the often-complex process of hearing foreign workers. With its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Joblio is poised to make a major impact on the global labor market.

Joblio is a technology-based platform and compliance engine that prevents fraud and provides a transparent and efficient hiring process for the global labor market. Joblio technology brings the light into the darkest space in the world – the industry of global relocation of human capital.” — says founder of Joblio Jon Purizhansky.

As any businessperson knows, becoming successful takes more than just having a great idea. In order to make a business thrive, an entrepreneur must have certain knowledge and personal qualities. Below you will find out the TOP 10 most important ones.

In order to be successful, you need more than just knowledge and experience. You also need to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Below are 10 self-care habits that will help you stay healthy and focused so that you can achieve your goals.

  1. Get enough sleep: Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night in order to function optimally. If you find it difficult to get enough rest, try setting a bedtime routine or limit your caffeine intake.
  1. Eat healthy: Eating nutritious food gives your body the energy it needs to function properly. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  1. Exercise regularly: Exercise not only helps improve your physical health, but it can also boost your mood and mental clarity. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining your health and well-being.
  1. Take breaks: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a walk outdoors.
  1. Connect with loved ones: Spending time with loved ones is a great way to reduce stress and feel supported. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, quality time with those you care about is crucial for a healthy mind and body.
  1. Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re feeling overloaded or overworked. Setting boundaries will help you protect your time and energy so that you can focus on what’s really important to you.
  1. Practice self-compassion: Beating yourself up for mistakes will only make things worse. Be kind and understanding with yourself, and remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
  1. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and support that can make a big difference in your life.
  1. Do something you enjoy: Make time for activities that make you happy! Doing things you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve your overall outlook on life. Whether it’s playing sports, listening to music, or spending time outside, find activities that bring joy into your life.
  1. Laugh: Laughter really is the best medicine! We all have bad days now and then, but try to find the humor in everyday situations when possible—it will make things seem much more manageable (and less stressful). Plus, laughter has numerous health benefits including reducing pain levels, improving heart health, and boosting immunity! These are just a few simple self-care habits that can make a big impact on your success—so don’t forget to take care of yourself as you work towards achieving your goals!

Self-care is crucial for any entrepreneur who wants to be successful. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you can reduce stress, improve your focus, and set yourself up for success. Remember to get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, take breaks, connect with loved ones, and practice self-compassion. If you make taking care of yourself a priority, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

World Will Have to Find Durable Solutions for the Global Refugee Crises

Joblio.Co is a technology powered social impact enterprise that seeks to bring transparency and order into the industry of global labour migration. Its founder Jon Purizhansky is an ex-refugee who says that according to the UNHCR, at least 89.3 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are nearly 27.1 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people, who have been denied a nationality and lack access to basic rights such as education, health care, employment and freedom of movement. Ongoing and newly developed conflicts have driven the displacement across the globe.

For example, the conflict in the Tigray region in Ethiopia led to at least 2.5 million more people being displaced within their country, with some 1.5 million of them returning to their homes during the year.

In Afghanistan, the events leading up to the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021 resulted in displacement within the country as well as into neighbouring countries. The number of people displaced internally rose for the 15th straight year, even as more than 790,000 Afghans returned during the year.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen saw increases of between 100,000 and 500,000 people displaced internally in 2021. In last year’s Global Trends report, UNHCR predicted that “the question is no longer if forced displacement will exceed 100 million people – but rather when”. The when is now? With millions of Ukrainians displaced and further displacement elsewhere in 2022, total forced displacement now exceeds 100 million people. This means 1 in every 78 people on earth has been forced to flee – a dramatic milestone that few would have expected a decade ago.

As new refugee situations emerge and intensify, and as existing ones reignite or remain unresolved, there is an acute need for durable solutions at increasing scale. What’s important to realize is that finding solutions for the displaced populations will also create a solution for the corporate world that is experiencing an exponentially growing shortage of talent

There is currently no concerted globally coordinated effort to analyse this populations’ professional backgrounds to see if they can be matched with employers globally who are experiencing dire shortage of staff.

It is because of this lack of global effort to create synergies between corporate employers in the developed world and the displaced populations globally that are few options for regular migration, for the vast majority of refugees and displaced persons. The rest are left to migrate irregularly, stay in the host countries, meaning they either work irregularly or not in their fields of training.

Not just companies, Jon Purizhansky points out, but actually entire countries are now facing skills gaps that are impeding their economic growth. Since the Second World War populations of the developed countries have both aged and have built generational wealth, which is employers report that talent shortages and difficulty filling positions. And the shortages are growing every month. The population of OECD countries is aging at the same their working-age population is shrinking. Without migration, by 2050, OECD countries will need 400 million more workers to maintain the working-age to elderly ratio that underpins their pension and health schemes. These demographics are relatively easy to reliably predict, and yet, to date, little is being done to prepare for this dramatic and unprecedented future. OECD countries are not likely to be able to meet their entire need for new workers by increasing birth rates.

Jon Purizhansky points that with the right kind of support, these shortages may be partially filled by assisting displaced populations and refugees fill the talent void. Migrants need more options for legal migration and companies need more flexible immigration systems so they can recruit internationally when they cannot find the local talent.

Jon Purizhansky says that focusing on human rights of refugees and creating economic opportunities for them benefits not just the refugees but the corporate world as well. Ultimately, the entire ecosystem will benefit as refugees will now move from uncertainty to certainty and will improve their lives economically; the employers will now secure the talent they need from amongst the refugee populations and the governments will benefit from reduction of illegal immigration and tax revenues that will inevitably come about as a result of the improved ecosystem.

As labor shortages will continue to grow, Jon Purizhansky predicts that more and more governments will realise that by creating better future for refugees they will improve their own economies greatly.