With the global sum of people forcibly displaced from their countries reaching a record 110 million, Amazon, Microsoft and Hilton Hotels are among international companies promising to offer work or career support to refugees.
According to the BBC, Amazon has pledged to hire 5 000 Ukrainian and other refugees in Europe as part of a wider drive to help people fleeing persecution.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the number of Ukrainian refugees living in Europe stands at more than 5.9 million, including 1.3 million living in Russia and Belarus.
Millions of others have fled conflicts and persecution in regions such as Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan.
The Tent Partnership for Refugees charity, which is co-ordinating the efforts, said most of the Ukrainian refugees in Europe were women and faced particular hurdles when finding jobs.
These ranged from not knowing the local language to having to juggle childcare responsibilities.
Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas said far too many refugees could not find work.
She added: ‘This is despite our endemic skills shortages, their high levels of education, desire to earn a living, and legal right to work [in the EU] through the Temporary Protection Directive.’
[Image: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash]