HIRES-EMPP Featured in New Resource on Labour Mobility Pathways Initiatives from Around the World
From displacement to workforce: exploring employment barriers globally
Over 120 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide, with millions facing significant legal, social, and economic barriers to accessing the labour market, both in their home countries and abroad. In many countries, refugees are not granted legal working rights, or are restricted to specific professions or sectors, and are often excluded from skilled migration systems because of their legal status. Refugees, often an untapped pool of talent, are unable to contribute to their host economies due to systematic restrictions. This results in undersized potential while host communities miss out on vital economic, social, and cultural benefits.
HIRES-EMPP: a pathway for displaced youth
WUSC’s HIRES pilot (2019-2022), featured in the newly released booklet How Are Communities Supporting Employers Hiring Displaced Workers, provides young refugees with the opportunity to rebuild their lives through resettlement and employment opportunities in Canada’s hospitality and tourism sector. By connecting displaced talent with employers in communities facing labour shortages, the program offers a pathway for young people to contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy while gaining valuable skills and experience.
A win-win for refugees and employers
The HIRES pilot and subsequent HIRES-EMPP program offers an innovative solution to pressing labour shortages in Canada’s hospitality and tourism sectors. It also offers rural communities and remote businesses the opportunity to welcome new community members and increase their workforce. By connecting employers with a young, motivated workforce of displaced talents, the program helps businesses meet staffing needs, maintain operations, and grow their businesses. This contributes to broader economic resilience and growth of an important revenue generating sector for Canada – making HIRES-EMPP not just a protection-driven initiative, but an economic one.
Additionally, many employers report positive impact on workplace culture and less staff turnover, as a result of the program.
“It’s just such a great match between keen young people who would love to have a future in Canada and the desperate labour need in our industry”. – HIRES employer
Learn more about how labour mobility pathways are transforming lives in Canada and beyond
Published as part of the EU-Passworld project and funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund, this new resource highlights a range of labour mobility pathways initiatives from around the world that are designed to address labour gaps and support displaced young talent in accessing labour market and integrating in their new communities. The HIRES-EMPP program is one such example. Learn more about how labour mobility pathways are making a difference in the lives of displaced youth around the globe by exploring the full booklet here.
Take action as an employer in Canada
The HIRES pilot evolved in 2023-2025 to operate under the new federal stream of the Economic Mobility Pilot Program (EMPP). WUSC continues to build on the success of the HIRES program, and amplifying opportunities for refugee youth to immigrate and fill vacancies in Canada. Learn more here.