The Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) welcome the announcement by the State Government today regarding the extension of subsidised training to refugees and asylum seekers from Ukraine and Afghanistan in Western Australia.
The subsidised training program, which will begin in January 2023, will be extended to people seeking asylum from Afghanistan and the Ukraine, who are on bridging visa holders with both study and work rights who have applied for a permanent protection visa (subclass 866) and refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine on temporary humanitarian visas.
The program allows people on these visas access the free and low-fee TAFE courses.
CARAD General Manager Alison Xamon said all people seeking asylum in Australia deserved the right to upskill through training that enabled them to enter in gainful employment.
“It’s important to get people seeking asylum into work and education in Australia, as soon as possible, not just for the economic benefits but for their connection to community as they start their new lives,” she said.
“It makes absolute sense that this program be extended to asylum seekers from Afghanistan and the Ukraine now, as Western Australia operates in one of the worst skills shortages we have seen in a decade.
“CARAD has been a long advocate for workers’ rights for people seeking asylum and we are pleased that people are receiving access to low -free and free TAFE courses training.
“CARAD has long been recognised as a respected voice for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and detainees and a provider of essential services, ensuring that all people seeking safety in Australia are able to live with dignity.”