Rebuilding Futures: Why Hiring Refugees Creates a More Welcoming World

Co-authored by David Miliband , President and CEO of International Rescue Committee , and Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International

Today, on World Refugee Day, over 120 million people and counting have been forcibly displaced from their homes, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This number is higher than ever before, as global conflicts and humanitarian crises–including the climate crisis–continue to force people around the world to flee their homes. As families who have had their lives upended resettle in new communities across the US, finding employment is one of the most pivotal, challenging, and rewarding steps in being able to provide for their families and reestablish roots.

Despite arriving with a wealth of experience and qualifications, refugee job seekers face unique obstacles and challenges when it comes to finding gainful employment. Language barriers, non-recognition of certifications, and unfamiliar hiring practices are some of the barriers to employment that refugees face. The problem is widespread: Harvard Business Review (HBR) estimated that there are more than 27 million “hidden workers” in the US who are screened out of opportunities, in part due to companies’ inflexibly structured hiring systems and approaches.

The evidence is clear that these prospective employees offer a myriad of skills that benefit the workforce. Refugees add tremendous value to an organization through specific occupational expertise, language skills, and cross-cultural experience among other unique skills. In order to meet today’s challenging market demands and ever-changing workforce needs, hiring, promoting, and investing in talent with diverse skill sets offers new solutions to companies during turbulent times.

That’s why the time is now for the private sector to open more doors to refugees. When companies recognize and celebrate the contributions of newcomers to communities and businesses, they benefit. In particular, the hospitality sector is leading by example and demonstrating impact. By nature, hospitality companies understand the power of “welcome.” Hiring diverse employees not only benefits the travel industry, but helps to make whole communities more welcoming through language, knowledge-sharing and increased cultural understanding. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 15 million hospitality workers in the US. With immigrants and refugees playing a meaningful role, the sector has long served as an important entry-point for the nation’s newcomers.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Marriott International have seen the impact of meaningful training and employment opportunities firsthand around the country. Launched in 2016, the IRC and Marriott’s Hospitality Link program provides refugee, immigrant and asylum-seeking English-language-learner adults with training and employment coaching to help them prepare for, secure, and grow careers in hospitality. To date, Marriott’s support has enabled the Hospitality Link program to help nearly 1,000 newcomers to the US across 10 cities prepare for careers in the sector. As a result, these individuals are working in hotels, resorts, and restaurants across America–building bright futures and filling critical jobs in one of the nation’s fastest growing industries.

As the global business landscape grows more competitive and humanitarian needs rise, businesses have an imperative to invest in matching opportunities with the right talent– with a focus on inclusivity.

By adopting the following approaches, businesses can play an integral role in supporting refugees who are starting over:

1. Delivering on hiring commitments: By helping displaced people restart their careers, organizations also help whole communities to thrive. Since the start of?the war in Ukraine, Marriott’s focus on creating job opportunities has already led to over 1,000 refugees hired across dozens of its hotels in Europe. Looking ahead, Marriott’s commitment to hiring more than 3,000 refugees globally by 2026 is proof that when done right, supporting refugees can help organizations meet labor gaps, diversify skill sets, and enhance productivity.
2. On-the-job training: Once companies hire refugees, it’s not enough to keep them in entry-level positions. By affording refugees the same opportunity, support, and investment for career progression as their peers, companies can provide refugees with the chance to re-establish and grow professionally while meeting business needs.
3. Inclusive talent acquisition practices: It can be beneficial for companies to lead with their core values and commitments to inclusive hiring in promoting career opportunities. One such example is Marriott’s career site, which showcases opportunities for refugees looking to apply for positions in the US. We have seen firsthand the benefit of strong local relationships between Marriott hiring managers and IRC employment specialists in overcoming barriers to employment, such as offering flexible schedules to enable childcare and transportation needs - creating a more inclusive and accessible working environment and a stronger talent pool.

World Refugee Day is a moment to pause and reflect on people who have been forced to flee their home countries. Let’s use this day and every other day of the year to recognize and celebrate the full potential of newcomers to the US. Marriott Bonvoy members who would like to help make an impact can donate their points to the IRC and other nonprofits on giving.marriott.com — Marriott will match those donations during the month of June. Through solutions-oriented initiatives like the IRC and Marriott’s Hospitality Link program, the private sector can help catalyze lasting change and transform the lives of displaced people as they rebuild their futures and enrich communities, making a more welcoming world for all.