On April 6, 2022 the Global Task Force on Refugee Mobility was launched and Canada was named the inaugural chair.

The aim of the Task Force is to increase refugee access to complementary immigration pathways globally. Only 1% of refugees gain access to resettlement each year. Labour complimentary pathways are meant to act as an alternative to refugee status while still providing refugees with the resettlement and support that they need.

Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is already set up to do similar work. This initiative will build off this Pathway.

Participants of the first meeting included leaders from Canada, Australia, the United Nations Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration, the International Chamber of Commerce, Fragomen, Talent Beyond Boundaries, and RefugePoint. These groups will partner with global stakeholders from governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society to increase skilled refugees in nations globally, which will fill labour shortages in Canada.

The Task Force will identify opportunities to implement pathways throughout the year as well as problem solve practical issues that may arise. This will convalesce into a report in 2024 outline policy and operations.

Source: Canada