Omar Alhuraibi is an engineer with some 20 years experience as a construction project manager in the UAE.
He was born in Yemen, a country ravaged by civil war since 2014.
Several years ago, he sought asylum in the UK to rejoin his family, and was successful, but he struggled to have his skills, experience, and qualifications recognised.
That meant he faced menial work at a time when the UK construction industry was crying out for people like him.
His story has a happy ending, as he tells Cristina Lago in this month’s 21CC podcast.
- Listen to the 21CC podcast here:
With help from charity RefuAid Omar found work as a sub-agent for contractor Kier.
He loves his work, and can’t imagine life without it.
RefuAid helps refugees find the work they’re qualified to do.
The charity told us there are many like Omar who could be contributing to society with their skills, but who face severe underemployment because they lack UK experience and employers struggle to understand their qualifications.
They include engineers like Omar, plus neurosurgeons, teachers, lawyers, and more.
Could the UK construction sector be overlooking a rich talent pool?
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