Compelling news from the refugee and migrant sector

Afghan data specialist seeking to reboot his career

30 January 20250 comments

Afghan refugee Ali Amini has found safety, a community and a new place to call home since arriving in Australia in August 2024.

The only thing missing is a job in his chosen profession.

Ali, 37, is an experienced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist with over five years of professional expertise in geospatial analysis and data management. GIS (Geographic information system) is a system that creates, manages, analyses, and maps all types of data.

He has worked for both national and international organisations in Afghanistan. His background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, equipping him with in-depth knowledge of spatial data, mapping technologies, and data visualisation.

Ali, who has settled in Dandenong in Melbourne’s south east, has tried to find a position in fields similar to the one he has studied and worked in but is not yet familiar with Australian procedures and work environments.

All Ali wants is a chance to showcase the multitude of skills he possesses.

Refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia is supporting him through the process of reestablishing his career. But he says his biggest obstacle is a lack of industry connections.

Ali is fluent in English, as students in Afghanistan are taught all their subjects in English.

“It’s a language you need for your career,” he says.

Ali also speaks Dari, Pashto, a bit of Urdu, while he can also read and write in Arabic.

As skilled as Ali is, his professional network has not yet expanded.

“I have not had any contact with any companies yet,” says Ali, as it has been challenging for him to make connections with people relevant to his field that could provide him with assistance.

“Many companies do not have trust in newly arrived individuals,” he says.

That is due to the individuals’ lack of experience in an Australian work setting.

But Ali remains optimistic.

“I am ready to work, and I am ready to prove how skilled I am,” he says.

Ali’s biggest dream is to be a responsible resident of the country.

“I love Australia and my plan is to make a life in Melbourne,” he says.

Ali’s life in Afghanistan, where he was born and raised, became increasingly challenging after the Taliban came to power 2021, following the US troop withdrawal.

Ali says most Afghan people do not support the Taliban, which he says oppresses citizens and has removed the rights, especially those of women.

“They are religious extremists. They have banned numerous things, especially things that concern women, things like education and work,” he said.

Ali has come to Australia with his wife, while the rest of their family are still in Afghanistan.

His wife studied midwifery and anesthesiology back in their homeland.

Life in Australia, compared to that in Afghanistan in already vastly different for Ali, as he especially appreciates the multicultural element that Australia has to offer.

“I like this country. I want to be a responsible citizen of Australia,” Ali says.

Individuals like Ali would be a valuable addition to the Australian workforce. He possesses a variety of skills and abilities and has a lot to offer to potential employers and companies, especially in such a complex field as GIS.