Local tech company Bonfire hiring skilled refugees living abroad

Kitchener based tech companyBonfireis eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of their newest members, Mohammed Hakmi, a Syrian refugee currently living in Beirut, Lebanon.

Bonfireis among a handful of Canadian companies in the process of hiring skilled refugees currently living abroad with the help ofnon-profit Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB).

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TBBhas been matchingrefugees with companies that are in need their of skills in the United States, and has recently branched out toCanada and Australia.

It was through TBBthat Kris Braun, director of engineering at Bonfire, was able to interviewHakmi and offer him a job in the company's engineering department.

One reason forhiring internationally was to curb the talent shortage, Braun told CBCNews, but the main reason is helpingrefugees.

"We were hiring anywayand wewant to support refugees and support Canada's efforts to welcome refugees," Braun said.

Settling in Kitchener-Waterloo

Originally from Syria, Hakmihas been living in Lebanon for the past six years and was offered the job at Bonfire at the end of April.

He said he's not quite sure how to express his feelings, butheis excited and eager to come to Canada and start working.

"When I got the offer, I feel like my dreams and aspirations are now alive again,"Hakmitold CBCNews from Beirut.

Braun said a candidate would normally start working withthe company shortly after beinghired, but in Hakmi's casethere'sstill workto be done before he can settle in Waterloo region.

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Hakmi was recently accepted into the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which nominates for permanent residency individuals whoseskills would contribute to Canada's economy. Braun hopes that will speed the process.

"The whole team has rallied around Mohammed's immigration case and we get to celebrate every little win," Braun said.

Hakmi said he is optimistic and hopes to be in K-Wfor the holidays.

Braun said they have plans to continue working with TBBin the future to potentially hire more refugees.