Immigrants struggle to get on recruiters' books
08/04/2008(16:51)
Qualified immigrants are struggling to get on recruitment firms' books and find a job in their profession.
Many highly-skilled new-comers to the country do not get on the books of recruitment companies due to their overseas qualifications, accents and ethnicity, according to research from Massey University.
A study conducted by the university found that only a small number had found work in the right industry and that some has resorted to unskilled work.
Reasons for not being accepted onto jobs also included a lack of cultural understanding and a lack of support from government agencies.
The immigrants surveyed came from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East and all had at least a bachelors degree.
Researchers in the study say that it shows a need for more education of recruitment agencies, employers and government agencies.
Australia's National University's Academy of Social Sciences recently said that more immigrants were needed to plug the skills shortages created by retiring workers.
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