Thousands of undocumented migrants will be permitted to work in construction, tourism, and agriculture because of plans made by the Greek government.
Greece and other European nations are in dire need of workers to cover gaps in the labor market, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 caused a large number of people to leave their jobs.
In an effort to alleviate the shortages, the Greek government is thinking of allowing unregistered migrants to work in some industries, according to Minister of Migration Dimitris Kairidis. It is anticipated that some 300,000 unauthorized migrants, or those whose residency permits have expired will be impacted by the plan, which bears similarities to an Italian reform in 2020.
“In an interview with state broadcaster ERT, Kairidis stated that we need to consider our options for managing the current population in our country while avoiding the creation of additional incentives for individuals to enter illegally.” A representative from the migration ministry told one of the news agencies that the minister would likely present the plan during a cabinet meeting the following month.
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‘We want to go from black to white.’
The 11 million-person country of Greece has long been dependent on a sizable illegal labor force made up of migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. The majority are employed in agriculture, construction, and domestic services.
About 180,000 land laborers are needed annually, according to Lefteris Avgenakis, the minister of agriculture. Previously, labor exchange programs with Albania, Bangladesh, India, and Egypt were used to cover a portion of these positions; however, the minister claims that bureaucratic delays have prevented workers from being hired.
“The existence of thousands of undocumented laborers within our nation is a fact. The goal is to transition them from undocumented labor to declared labor, focusing on the specific challenges and peculiarities of rearing sheep and goats. Avgenakis stated that these workers were skilled in agricultural practices and hence would be in a position to adapt.
Thessaloniki’s underground system and Crete’s new airport are two examples of public works projects that have been dragged down in the construction industry by shortages, according to Minister of Migration Karidis.
He made the argument that legalizing previously illegal workers would increase state revenue through employment taxes and contributions, in addition to aiding in the solution of labor shortages.
As Greece’s economy rebounds and labor gaps widen, the government has turned to migrants to fill critical jobs in various sectors. Although the approach has not been without challenges, it has helped address the country’s pressing needs while providing opportunities for those seeking better lives. Given that migration accounts for almost 20% of Greece’s population, migration will have a significant impact on the future of the nation.
In this context, we at Dynamic Staffing Services come into the picture and are playing a significant role in helping businesses and the government meet their staffing needs. By leveraging our expertise and networks, we are connecting migrants with jobs that match their skills and experience while also helping employers fill critical positions with qualified candidates. We are bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, providing a win-win situation for all.
As Greece continues to navigate the complex issue of migration, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the need for foreign labor with the need to address social and political challenges. However, with the help of recruitment agencies, it is possible to streamline the hiring process and ensure that both businesses and migrants benefit from this approach.
As the country moves forward, it is clear that migrants will continue to play a significant role in shaping Greece’s economic and social landscape in the years to come, and we at Dynamic Staffing Services will continue to play a critical role in making this possible. Call us at +91-11-40410000 or email enquiry@dss-hr.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
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