By Lorraine Charles and Dr. Shuting Xia

The Jobtech for Refugees Community of Practice, hosted by Na’amal and Jobtech Alliance, is pleased to launch our new handbook “Empowering Refugees Through Digital Work: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Livelihood Opportunities”.  

In a rapidly digitizing world, refugees face unique challenges and opportunities in accessing meaningful employment. Digital work offers a transformative avenue for refugees to overcome traditional barriers, unlock economic potential, and achieve self-reliance. The handbook explores four key pathways—freelancing, remote employment, digital entrepreneurship, and content creation—that can empower refugees to participate in the digital economy. It also highlights the importance of addressing foundational barriers, such as access to infrastructure, skills development, and legal documentation, to create an enabling environment for success.

This practical handbook provides actionable guidance for stakeholders. While the handbook distills essential insights for quick implementation, the full report, which will be released in early 2025, dives deeper into the nuanced factors and strategies critical for success.

Call for Action

Digital work has the power to change the lives of refugees, offering pathways to economic independence and community integration. However, achieving this vision requires targeted efforts to address foundational barriers and align opportunities with refugees’ diverse skills and aspirations. This handbook is not just a resource to support implementation but also a roadmap for building an inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers displaced populations.

As we stand at the intersection of technology and social impact, the challenge is clear: to turn potential into progress. By embracing innovative approaches and fostering global collaboration, we can ensure that refugees not only survive but thrive in the digital age.

Access the Report and Handbook

Download the report and join us in building a more inclusive digital future