The UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with the Accenture Foundation and other collaborators in Italy, has launched a pilot program called “ReadyForIT: Labour Pathways for Refugees.” This initiative aims to integrate African refugees into Italy’s IT job market, with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC). Through the “Work Corridors for Refugees” program, refugees with professional qualifications are granted valid work visas for Italy.
The pilot project initially involves 25 refugees from sub-Saharan Africa, currently in Uganda. These individuals, selected for their IT backgrounds, are undergoing online training in software programming, focusing on Java and SQL, and learning Italian. Upon completing the program and passing a final test, they will migrate to Italy for formal employment in the IT sector, with companies like Accenture, Aubay, and OverIT hiring them.
According to UNHCR, more than 120 million people worldwide have been displaced due to conflict and persecution. Many refugees in host countries struggle to find dignified opportunities and are often forced to embark on dangerous journeys to seek a better life. This initiative aims to restore dignity and confidence to refugees by matching their skills with job opportunities in Italy.
The ITC supports this initiative by partnering with Refactory in Uganda, which prepares the candidates for technical interviews and provides additional IT training and coaching. Refactory has helped over 500 learners pursue tech careers, with an 80% employment rate.
By the end of the year, UNHCR plans to expand the program to include refugees from Egypt and Jordan, focusing on the shipbuilding and goldsmith industries.