Hotel group Accor has employed nearly 100 refugees and migrants in its hotels and Qantas lounges, in an expanding partnership with refugee and migrant employment specialists, Community Corporate.
The goal is to develop more inclusive and human-centred workplaces across Australia. Only 6 per cent of refugees find employment in their first six months in Australia and just 23 per cent within two years.
Women make up more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of Accor’s new migrant recruits who come from 18 different cultural backgrounds, and speak 22 languages.
Bibi Zahra, a young woman from Afghanistan, arrived in Australia in 2023 under an orphan relative visa. She took ad hoc jobs in farming and construction, working long hours for over eight months.
Her breakthrough came through Community Corporate’s SETS program. After completing a Job Bootcamp in early 2025, Bibi secured a role with Accor at the Qantas lounge in Adelaide.
“More than just learning, I felt seen and empowered, realising that I had the skills and resilience to find out a successful career,” Zahra said.
Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams, said “Hospitality is, at its core, about people – and the richness of our industry comes from the diversity of those who power it. Inclusive hiring is not just a value we talk about – it is something we actively put into practice, because we see the extraordinary impact it has.
“This partnership is changing lives, strengthening our teams, and reminding us of what is possible when businesses lead with purpose. I encourage our peers across the hospitality industry to join us, because it makes our industry and society stronger.”
This year Accor has a goal of placing 100 refugees and migrants into employment by the end of 2025.
