At the 5th Olympia Forum, held from 18 to 20 October, Dimitra Lygoura, Secretary General for the Reception of Asylum Applicants, highlighted the crucial role migrants could play in addressing Greece’s severe labour shortages.
Speaking at the forum, Lygoura pointed to a significant need for workers across various sectors, citing an estimated shortfall of 70,000 in agriculture and 80,000 in tourism and hospitality, with a total deficit of nearly 200,000 workers.
Lygoura also drew attention to Greece’s lagging position in terms of highly skilled labour compared to other European countries, particularly in critical sectors such as tourism, trade, manufacturing, and farming. According to data from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), Greece trails behind the EU average by 5.4 to 14.6 percentage points in filling highly skilled jobs.
In addition to labour market challenges, Lygoura stressed the importance of social integration for migrants, calling it “a fundamental element for achieving security, social cohesion, and peace.” She noted that the Migration and Asylum Ministry prioritises early and active integration, ensuring that migrants understand their rights and responsibilities as residents of an EU state.
Lygoura revealed that 750,000 legal migrants are currently employed in Greece, a result of policies that allow asylum seekers to enter the workforce within two months of applying for asylum. This measure aims to help migrants gain financial independence while contributing to Greece’s economy.
The Olympia Forum, which concluded on Sunday, highlighted the potential for migration to alleviate labour shortages and reinforce the country’s workforce.