Non-English-speaking background highly skilled female migrants: Sourcing, securing and sustaining employment in Australia

The international mobility of highly skilled human capital has increased in the last few decades. Countries, such as Australia, have designed migration policies to attract skilled migrants and restrict entry of lower skilled migrants. This demand driven approach assists in addressing identified skill shortages, boosts the economy, advances workforce competitiveness and results in a workforce and society that is culturally diverse. However, for many skilled migrants arriving in Australia the journey to successful and meaningful employment outcomes that are commensurate with their qualifications and experience is not always positive or fully understood. In particular, women face multiple barriers while sourcing, securing and sustaining employment in the host country. This paper presents a work in progress towards a PhD.