New York, NY, February 15, 2024 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is excited to announce the implementation of a new project in Tanzania and Mexico, set to unfold over the months ahead.

Launched in 2018 by the Government of Canada, the Economic Mobility Pathway Pilot (EMPP) provides Canadian employers with the opportunity to access a talent pool of skilled refugees and other displaced people worldwide. This access helps Canada find durable solutions for skilled refugees while also filling in-demand jobs to address labour market needs.

The project seeks to identify at least 200 skilled refugees and settle up to 50% of the total referred refugees from Tanzania and Mexico to Canada through the EMPP. These individuals will have the opportunity to live safely and thrive in their new communities in Canada while directly contributing to the Canadian economy and cultural diversity.

IRC will implement this project in close collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) and key governmental and private stakeholders. Together with UNHCR and TBB, IRC will identify and secure the required documentation for skilled refugees to resettle to Canada and provide on-the-ground support to connect them with Canadian employers and job opportunities.

Hans Van de Weerd, IRC Senior Vice President for Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration, said:

“The expansion of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a pivotal step towards ensuring all individuals are met with the support they need to rebuild their lives. This expansion not only provides a means for refugees to thrive in Canadian society but also directly contributes to the nation's economy and cultural diversity, exemplifying IRC's commitment to a comprehensive and effective approach to resettlement.”

Lara Dyer, TBB Canada Director, said:

"The EMPP not only offers a life-changing opportunity for refugees to rebuild their lives, but also enriches the Canadian workforce with a diverse set of sorely needed skills and perspectives. TBB is proud of its role in advocating for the EMPP and for its collaborations with IRC and other partners to expand the program to serve more displaced people. This expansion is a clear demonstration of how refugee labour mobility is reshaping the global approach to resettlement and workforce shortages."

This project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Ce projet est financé en partie par l’Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada.