June 20: the story of Georgia Al Zahr, finance and banking expert

Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine… by 2023, over 100 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes. Despite the fact that almost half of all refugees in Europe have a higher education diploma in their pocket (Eurostat, 2020), it takes them around 10 years, an entire decade, to return to their original socio-professional situation.

Georgia Al Zahr is Syrian, with a degree in banking and finance, and experience in banking, finance, investment and business.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your professional career prior to your arrival in Switzerland?

My name is Georgia, and I am 39 years old, from Syria. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance. I worked in the banking sector for 6 years, gaining valuable experience. After that, I moved to the finance and worked in car loans at an investment company. Later, I took on roles in market research and business development.

What were your greatest professional achievements in your home country?

Corporate relationship officer, then car loan specialist then business development executive.

How long have you lived in Europe?

6 years 4 months, since February 2018.

Do you feel like you have experienced professional downgrading since your arrival?

Can you tell us about it?

Yes, I haven’t continued or chosen to continue with the banking and finance sector because my 10 years of experience wouldn’t be taken into consideration. I would have to start an internship for more than a year to re-enter the banking sector, and I would have to start as a junior. I have waited for 6 years in order to have my B permit and be allowed to leave the country like any human being.. 6 years I was downgraded because I am either without a status or with an F permit without having the right to travel, work properly and leave Switzerland and with very limited financial situation less than the minimum wage here… then from January 2024 after six years I started to have the normal human rights for any human being in this country…

What were the main obstacles you encountered in finding a job that matched your qualifications?

The main obstacles I was facing in finding a job that matched my qualifications included having only an “attestation de résidence” and the time I spent waiting for the government to grant me a permit to live in Geneva for more than two years. This situation limited my rights, such as being employed, traveling, and visiting my siblings who live in Europe. Even after receiving permit F, it has been difficult to find a job, especially within the banking sector.

Can you share a particularly difficult or frustrating moment you experienced while looking for a job in Switzerland?

I began with CrossFit GVA, launching “CrossFit for Integration”. With their support, I earned a coaching diploma and started coaching refugees, helping them connect and integrate through sports.

I then volunteered with Cuisine Lab(a training restaurant that empowers refugee), assisting with catering events. After six months, they offered me a job. With hard work, I became a catering manager. Cuisine Lab’s supported me to secure my B permit in Geneva, when I finally I was allowed to enjoy the same rights as any human being.

I am deeply grateful to CrossFit GVA and Cuisine Lab for being major parts of my journey in Geneva. With the experience I gained from both i gained confidence and power to chase my goals.

How did you hear about SINGA?

I heard about SINGA through my lawyer back in 2022, who was helping me obtain my permit to live in Switzerland. I had an idea for a project, Georgia’s Bread, and I was sharing with my lawyer how I wanted to start selling the bread to gyms, and she recommended SINGA to help me bring my idea to life.

What SINGA program(s) have you taken and how did they help you overcome professional downgrading?

I took the SINGA Incubator Program and then the bridge program , which gave me a lot of confidence and knowledge on how to start a business. Through the programs, I made many valuable connections and got to know key people who have been a great support in my career and my project (Georgia’s Bread) in Geneva. Also, with the confidence I gained, I was promoted to Catering Manager at my workplace and now I am opening my own restaurant.

How did SINGA influence your inclusion in Switzerland?

With an incredible amount of career and entrepreneurial support, SINGA helped me overcome even the mental difficulties I was going through. SINGA was always warm, kind, and generous on all levels. They listened to me and matched me with the right people who provided great support and guided me through. They gave me confidence and courage by helping me realize that refugees are an added value to society when they are empowered.

Can you share an experience or a key moment when SINGA had a particular impact on your career?

SINGA had a big impact on my life by helping me take Georgia’s Bread to a more professional level. They provided invaluable knowledge in project management, financing, marketing, and branding. Additionally, SINGA supported me through a period of burnout with their love and by connecting me with a mentor through the Bridge Program. Now, SINGA is helping me start my new business. Their advice gave me the courage to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. With the mentor they assigned to me with the bridge program, I am building my project and learning a lot about legal procedures, operational management, etc, and I am about to open my own restaurant, Bab Simsim.

SINGA actively supports new arrivals in Europe and Canada, helping them to rebuild their network and find a professional activity that matches their skills. SINGA offers entrepreneurial support programs, enabling newcomers to create and develop their own businesses. With 12 incubators in Europe, SINGA has supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs, 50% of whom are women. These initiatives enable ambitious projects to come to fruition, and 60% of incubated companies remain in business after three years.

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Interview conducted as part of SINGA Global’s World Refugee Day awareness campaign on the professional downgrading of refugees on June 20.