How remote work could help refugees

With an increasing number of refugees fleeing from conflicts to neighbouring countries, as well as much further afield, host governments are struggling to deal with the changing situation on the ground. As financial pressures, shrinking economies and rising unemployment plague many refugee-hosting countries, the presence of large refugee populations has created an additional burden.

Imagine: a refugee in Amman translating for a company in London, an economic migrant in Istanbul doing data entry for a company in Dubai, while an asylum seeker in Greece is coding for a company in Silicon Valley.

This idea of remote employment would be project-based, through the internet, with payments made through a secure online system, adhering to international cybersecurity protocols. A system with the ability to rate and be rated could build an individual and company’s profile and credibility. There would be a built-in education component linking to business demand, ensuring employers that potential employees have the required skills. The opportunity for remote work can offer many, but particularly refugees, displaced and other vulnerable populations, the opportunity to regain economic independence.

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There is an opportunity for a much more extensive model of remote work. This idea can be adapted for the larger refugee populations while still taking their specific needs into account. The global private sector can provide jobs to refugee populations and also advise on the skills required for these jobs. Potential industries for remote employment include technology, translations, education, administration, finance, marketing and research. Furthermore, by combining remote employment with revolutionary education models such as “boot camp learning”, either online or in partnership with established training initiatives, employers can be sure that refugees have the skills that they require.

The obstacles to this initiative are many: political (legislative, regulatory), social (education, skills, mindset), financial (payment) and technical. Yet, these can be overcome with sufficient political will to create:

This model has immense potential and provides a win-win solution. Refugees and host community nationals would be trained in marketable skills required in the global labour market and are gainfully employed. Host country economies would benefit from a productive labour force with disposable income and a decreased unemployment rate. Refugees would be employed in a way that is transferrable when they cross borders, either to return home or to a new host country, and be equipped with skills to rebuild their lives and positively contribute to their communities. Companies would save money by having employees off-site, and are able to access global talent and improve staff retention.

Remote work provides an innovative solution to bring jobs to the most vulnerable. It has the potential to change the narrative of employment for the displaced.

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