A Bright Renewal

TBB Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Extended to 2026

Malak Foundation is thrilled to announce the Australian Government has extended the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot, co-delivered with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), through to 30 June 2026. Under this extension, 500 primary applicant visa places remain available for skilled refugees to resettle and contribute to Australia’s workforce. Immigration and Citizenship Website

This outcome is momentous—and Malak Foundation couldn’t be more pleased. It reflects a deepened commitment by both government and civil society to support skilled refugees eager to rebuild their lives and serve Australian communities.

Why This Matters

• Expanding Pathways to Resettlement
  The program offers a complementary avenue to traditional humanitarian resettlement. It enables refugees with strong skills—from doctors and engineers to tradespeople and developers—to access employer-sponsored visa pathways, even when facing documentation or assessment challenges.Immigration and citizenship WebsiteThe Global Compact on Refugees | UNHCRDisplaced Talent Hub

• Removing Common Barriers
  Key concessions include:

  • No labour market testing required.

  • Waived skills assessment and minimum work experience.

  • English language requirement reduced to “Functional English” (approx. IELTS 4.5).Immigration and citizenship WebsiteDisplaced Talent Hub

  • Age concessions (up to 55 for ENS and SESR visas).

  • A 10% reduction in income threshold for certain roles.Immigration and citizenship WebsiteDisplaced Talent Hub

• Supporting Employers and Refugees
  TBB’s endorsement replaces government testing for employers, streamlining recruitment. TBB also supports both parties through the visa process and settlement phase, ensuring smoother integration.Immigration and citizenship WebsiteTalent Beyond Boundaries

Malak Foundation’s Response

We're elated by this extension and want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the government and TBB.

This extension:

• Perpetuates critical pathways for skilled refugees ready to contribute.

• Reinforces inclusive economic growth and social cohesion.

• Affirms that Australia stands with displaced people seeking meaningful, dignified futures.

To all involved, from policymakers to community advocates, thank you for supporting skilled refugees to flourish in Australia.

What’s Next for Malak Foundation

1. Awareness & Outreach
   We'll amplify this news across our networks to ensure employers, refugees, and partners understand the opportunity and can act.

2. Partnership Expansion
   We’ll work closely with TBB and local organisations to help match skilled refugees with Australian employers—especially where critical skill shortages persist.

3. Support & Settlement
   Beyond visas, Malak is committed to uplifting people with settlement services, language and cultural orientation, and workplace support to foster their long-term success.

Final Words

The extension of the TBB Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot until 30 June 2026, with 500 visa places available, is a victory for inclusivity, opportunity, and shared prosperity. Malak Foundation is honoured to celebrate this milestone and continues to stand ready to support refugees as they rebuild their lives in Australia.

To our partners and supporters, thank you. Together, we're building a more compassionate and resilient nation.