SAN FRANCISCO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Amazon on Thursday launched the Welcome Door program, a new initiative to provide refugee and humanitarian-based immigrant employees with additional resources and support.

       Through the new program, Amazon's refugee and humanitarian-based immigrant employees will have access to several new resources, including free legal resources, access to skills training benefits, and customized mentorship.

       The new resources will be offered to Amazon employees in the United States starting next month, and the company plans to expand the program globally by the end of the year, the company said.

       In addition to language barriers and limited government resources, refugees with professional experience often have gaps in their careers, which can limit their knowledge of the latest developments within an industry, according to Upwardly Global, a nonprofit that helps refugees rebuild their careers.

       "Being displaced from your homeland and having to start again somewhere new is challenging and emotional. It is an honor and a privilege to help to make that transition easier and help people start again," said Ofori Agboka, Amazon's vice president of People, Experience and Tech for Operations.

       "A good job is one of the most impactful ways for refugees to build a new life. I hope the Welcome Door program inspires many more businesses to ensure these incredibly talented, resourceful, and dedicated people have the tools and support they need to thrive in their careers," said Veronica Rossini, acting executive director at the Tent Partnership for Refugees.

       As part of its pledge to help upskill the American workforce, Amazon recently announced a commitment to fully fund college tuition, books, and fees, as well as high school diplomas, GEDs, college preparatory courses, and English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency certifications, for its front-line hourly employees through the Career Choice program.