Finding the right talent for a critical role can be challenging for Australian businesses, and to overcome this situation, the Australian government has come up with a practical solution called the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot. It connects employers with highly skilled refugees who are ready to contribute to the workforce while also helping refugees’ families settle and rebuild their lives in Australia.
However, many employers are still unaware of how this program works or how to access it. To bridge this gap, the Department of Home Affairs is hosting a free online webinar in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) to provide detailed insights into the Pilot and explain how businesses can participate.
Webinar Details
- Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (UTC+11)
- Location: Online (access details will be provided by the organiser)
What the Webinar Will Cover
- Overview of the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot
- How employers can become approved under the program
- The role of Talent Beyond Boundaries in identifying and recruiting suitable candidates
- Employer and alumni success stories
- Live Q&A with subject matter experts
If you are an Australian employer and want to attend this webinar, then register here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1532103
About the Pilot Program
- The program was launched on 1 July 2021 and extended until 30 June 2026.
- 500 visa places are available for skilled refugees under this program until 30 June 2026.
- Eligible talent includes doctors, engineers, software developers, and skilled trade workers listed under the ANZSCO occupation list Australia.
- The Pilot eliminates common obstacles refugees face in employer-sponsored skilled visa pathways, and this also enables businesses to hire qualified, work-ready talent more efficiently.
Advantages of this Program for Refugees and Employers
The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot introduces visa concessions that make it easier for employers to hire skilled refugees and for refugees to qualify for certain visas, including many employer-sponsored visas. Its benefits include:
No Labour Market Testing: Endorsement by Talent Beyond Boundaries replaces the requirement to conduct labour market testing.
No Formal Skills Assessment or Minimum Work Experience: The sponsoring business decides whether the refugee has the necessary skills and qualifications for the role.
10% Reduction in Income Threshold: When hiring for ANZSCO Skill Level 3–5 vocations, employers are eligible for a 10% income threshold decrease.
Additional Concession for Aged Care Providers: Extra income threshold concessions apply when hiring an employee under this occupation:
- Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)
- Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)
- Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)
Increased Age Limit: Employers can sponsor applicants up to 55 years of age under ENS and SESR visas, while the Skills in Demand visa has no age limit.
Reduced proficiency in English: Applicants are required to demonstrate only Functional English under the Pilot.
How Growmore Immigration Can Support
Understanding labour agreements, income thresholds, and visa pathways requires careful compliance with Australia PR requirements and sponsorship regulations.
At Growmore Immigration, we provide structured guidance on employer-sponsored visas, workforce migration strategies, and long-term Australia Permanent Residency planning. Whether your business is exploring skilled refugee recruitment or exploring Australia PR process options, our experts ensure your case is managed professionally and in line with current migration laws.
Want personalised guidance?
Book your consultation now: https://www.growmore.one/book-consultation/
Source: MIA Notice 41 – 13 February 2026