Refugees, ReadyForIT - Labor Pathways for Refugees kicks off, the first project opening the doors to IT employment opportunities in Italy

Twenty-five refugees from Burundi, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, currently residing in Uganda, have embarked on an online training program in software development. Participants, aged 19 to 46, possess educational or professional backgrounds in IT. The program equips them with foundational and advanced skills in programming languages such as Java and SQL. Upon passing a final test, they will relocate to Italy under employment contracts in the information technology sector.

The ReadyForIT – Labor Pathways for Refugees program, an innovative initiative dedicated to creating Labor Corridors for Refugees, aims to provide professional development and integration opportunities for individuals forced to flee their home countries. The project responds to the dire global reality where over 120 million people have been displaced due to conflicts, persecution, and human rights violations.

Labor Corridors: A Path to Dignity and Opportunity

In host countries, refugees often struggle to rebuild their lives with dignity due to limited opportunities. Labor Corridors offer a secure, regulated pathway for individuals with professional skills to enter Italy with work visas. This model demonstrates the pivotal role of the private sector in providing tangible solidarity and protection opportunities.

The project was conceived by Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS and led by UNHCR, in partnership with Diaconia Valdese, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Pathways International, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Unione Industriali di Torino, and supported by Reale Foundation and Fondazione Conad ETS. Develhope, Refactory Uganda, and Finn Church Aid provided technical training and coaching.

First Phase: Training and Coaching

The selected refugees in Uganda have begun an 8-week online IT training and coaching program. Alongside technical skills, the training includes Italian language instruction to prepare participants for effective integration. Upon completing the program and passing a final test, participants will be employed by companies such as Accenture, Aubay, Btinkeeng, Gruppo SCAI, OverIT, Reale ITES, and Valuetech.

Pioneering Regular Work Channels for Refugees

Italy is among the first countries globally to establish a regulated entry pathway for refugee employment, aligning with recent labor mobility policies. This initiative also introduces an “extra quota” mechanism, enabling Italian companies to hire refugees after completing training abroad.

In addition to ReadyForIT and the upcoming arrivals from Uganda, the program will expand by the end of 2024 to include refugee training and placement from Egypt and Jordan in the maritime and jewelry sectors.

Mutual Benefits of Labor Mobility

The initiative underscores the transformative role of work and training in restoring dignity and hope for refugees. Labor Corridors bridge the gap between refugees’ untapped skills and the workforce needs of Italian companies, fostering mutual benefits. At a time when labor market mismatches are critical, this model offers a resource for businesses seeking motivated, skilled workers while enabling refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

A Global Model of Integration

“Italy is once again leading the way in developing regular entry channels. Following the success of humanitarian corridors, emergency evacuations, and university corridors, labor corridors for refugees now set a new standard in Europe and beyond,” said Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, the Holy See, and San Marino.
“Collaboration among international organizations, civil society, state authorities, and the private sector is crucial in creating long-term solutions that allow refugees to utilize their skills for mutual benefit.”

In Line with the Global Compact on Refugees

This initiative aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees, emphasizing the critical role of the private sector and the collaboration among Italian authorities, civil society, international organizations, and businesses in providing effective solutions for integration, solidarity, and protection.

Labor Corridors: A Collaborative Effort

Labor Corridors are the result of close collaboration among UNHCR, Diaconia Valdese, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Pathways International, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labor, and the Office of the Prime Minister.