TBB bags prestigious award for helping refugees get jobs worldwide

Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), the world's first and only organisation connecting skilled refugees to job opportunities worldwide, has been honoured with the prestigious Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA 2023).

The award, with a value of AED 500,000, recognises TBB's pioneering efforts in providing employment opportunities for refugees and overcoming their challenges through sustainable solutions.

Out of 423 candidates from 41 countries around the world, TBB was selected as the winner of the seventh edition of the SIARA award. This recognition highlights the organisation's innovative approach in addressing the gaps in refugee support globally. TBB has made significant contributions to inspiring governments to revise and enhance their migration programmes and visa services, leading to initiatives like the 'Hiring Displaced Talents' programme in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK.

TBB stands out as the first nonprofit organisation to organise a job fair specifically for refugees and displaced people. This initiative connects skilled individuals with prominent international companies and employers in need of their expertise. To ensure success, TBB provides specialised educational, vocational, and training programmes that enhance the skills and qualifications of highly qualified refugees. Areas prioritised in these programmes include English language proficiency, computer and software training, and communication skills to prepare individuals for job interviews.

Over 6,000 refugees have benefited from TBB's services, which go beyond job matching. The organisation facilitates the immigration and relocation processes, provides housing, food supplies, legal guarantees, and documentation, and ensures access to essential healthcare services and social integration support.

Distributed teams operating worldwide continue to offer ongoing support, ensuring refugees' smooth integration into new communities. As a result, TBB has contributed to increasing refugees' annual income by over 750%. The organisation has also developed a digital platform, known as The Talent Catalogue, which verifies the professional qualifications of over 65,000 refugees.

TBB's 2023 skills mapping of 65,000 refugees revealed that 64% of registrants have intermediate or higher English proficiency, surpassing expectations. Additionally, 34% of registrants have completed a bachelor's degree or higher, exceeding the global average. Skilled Trades, Industrial Engineering, Healthcare, Computer Science, and Finance were among the top industries represented among the refugee registrants.

The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) was launched in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, the award aims to recognise both individual and organisational contributions that fulfil humanitarian needs and human aspirations of refugees.

SIARA has played a vital role over the past seven years in honouring those who have made significant contributions to addressing the needs of refugees, ranging from basics like food security, emergency aid, and shelter to empowering displaced individuals to regrow their roots and regain a sense of belonging.

TBB's recognition with the SIARA award is a testament to the organisation's commitment to transforming the lives of refugees through the power of employment, enabling them to rebuild their future and achieve self-sufficiency.

With their innovative approach, TBB continues to pave the way for other organisations and governments to create opportunities for refugees to contribute their talents to the global job market, creating a win-win situation for both individuals and the societies they join.