From Refugee to Airport Hero: How a New Australian Program Helped Suhail Land His Dream Job

When Suhail first arrived in Australia in 2022, the 54-year-old faced a mountain of challenges. His accountant qualifications weren't recognized, he had no local work history or network, and English was his second language. On top of that, the trauma of fleeing Pakistan left him with psychosocial issues that made it hard to focus and make decisions.

But despite these barriers, Suhail is now thriving in his "dream job" at Sydney Airport, screening baggage. How did he get there? Through a new government program called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) that provides tailored support for people with disabilities.

A New Approach to Disability Employment

IEA replaced the old Disability Employment Services (DES) program in November last year. The goal? To provide more specialized support and help people with disabilities achieve their career goals, says Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek.

Under DES, many refugees with disabilities were often "put in the too-hard basket," says Eric Harper from Settlement Services International (SSI), a provider of IEA. But IEA is different—it focuses on tailored help and working with employers to find the right fit.

Suhail's Journey to Success

Suhail's case manager at SSI spoke his language and understood his background. Together, they found a job he genuinely wanted—in aviation security, a field he aspired to back in Pakistan. In March, he started at Sydney Airport, and he says, "It's just like a heaven to me."

The Impact of Inclusive Employment

The results so far are promising. Of the 1,480 clients who started with SSI, 230 have been placed in jobs, with an 85% retention rate. The program also benefits employers, says Giulia Savio from ISS, which hired Suhail. "It's a real no-brainer in getting the right people," she says.

A Win-Win for Everyone

Getting refugees with disabilities into work not only transforms their lives but also benefits the economy. They contribute as taxpayers instead of relying on support systems. As Suhail puts it, "I don't want to be called disabled in anything. I just like to be called a normal person."