Mary Logan had more than 15 years of experience in hair and beauty when she arrived in Australia but had to start again from scratch.
Having run a successful salon in Iran, the 39-year-old could only find work as an apprentice.
"They gave me the basic jobs cleaning the salon and washing hair," she told AAP.
Ms Logan put it down to the language barrier and also claimed she was underpaid.
"I did the same job as other workers but they paid me the cheapest money," she said.
"They used my skills the way they wanted but paid me little money."
The single mother worked and studied hard for seven years, learning the English language and getting a local qualification before opening a Sydney beauty salon in 2021.
Ms Logan believes her path could have been quicker if her overseas qualification was recognised and industry experience valued by employers.
A report has found unleashing the power of skilled migrants and refugees could boost the Australian economy and fill workforce gaps.
Improving the skills and qualifications recognition system, strengthening protections for migrant workers, reviewing the right to work for people on temporary visas, partnerships across various sectors and reforming English language requirements could have major benefits.
Violet Roumeliotis from Settlement Services International, the non-profit which produced the report, said thousands of migrants and refugees living in Australia wanted to contribute but lacked the opportunity.
"You already have employees who are either underemployed or unemployed," she said.
"All you need to do is turn your mind to how you can activate and build on the experience and qualifications we already have."
Iranian asylum seeker Mohsen Shahsvarzdeh arrived in Australia by boat and was released into the community on a temporary visa.
Before leaving his homeland in search of safety, Mr Shahsvarzdeh attained a Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and had experience in banking.
Despite his skills and experience, he could not find work.
"I applied for so many jobs all over Sydney but no one would give me a chance,” he said.
"I faced a disheartening pattern of consistent rejection, with doors being slammed shut in my face despite all efforts."
He had limited English and was not eligible for free language classes, so enrolled at a local college and watched tutorials on YouTube.
"When you only know a mere 10 words of English anxiety takes hold, leaving you unable to recall even those few words during job interviews," he said.
He was offered a job with ANZ once his English improved but the bank required him to have a permanent visa.
Instead, the 32-year-old established his own business as an independent mortgage broker.
“At the end of the day, we refugees are going to open our own business, just like I have done," he said.
"It is the employers who are missing out on seizing the opportunities that come with hiring us."
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said migrants and refugees were one of Australia's greatest assets.
"Like any other Australian, refugees and migrants deserve the opportunity to use their professional skills, experience and qualifications to build lives and livelihoods in Australia that are productive and fulfilling," he said.
