More migrant women in jobs they are overqualified for compared to male counterparts, research shows
New research indicates that migrant women in Australia are 20% more likely than their male counterparts to be overqualified for their current jobs. Advocates are calling for a national commissioner to better manage skills recognition for refugees and migrants.
Why it matters
Addressing the underutilization of migrant skills is critical for economic integration and social equity in the labor market.
Farukh Tahery migrated to Australia from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. ( ABC News )
Research shows that migrant women in Australia are 20 per cent more likely than their male counterparts to be over-qualified in their jobs.
The research also shows about 340,000 migrant women workers were employed below their skill level.
There are calls for the appointment of a national commissioner to oversee the skills recognition system for migrants and refugees.
Link copied Share Share article Despite four years of experience in accounting when she lived in Afghanistan, Farukh Tahery had to start from scratch when the Taliban took over in 2021 and she moved to Australia.
"When I came to Australia, I found out, yes, finding a job is hard," she said.
"Every time I received feedback from employers, they told me that 'You're not qualified'… I was feeling [like] I'm not enough."
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