Greece Faces Critical Labor Shortage, Needs 300,000 Foreign Workers

Egypt workers

Greece is grappling with a severe labor shortage and urgently needs over 300,000 foreign workers to bolster its economy, mirroring a trend seen across the European Union.

The country requires workers across a wide range of skills and sectors, from tourism (chefs and dishwashers) to specialized tech roles (IT professionals, systems security specialists) and various trades (electricians, welders, plumbers, machine operators, and production workers).

Despite this pressing need, bureaucratic hurdles hinder the process of attracting foreign workers. The lengthy application procedure, often taking six to nine months, poses a significant challenge, particularly for businesses seeking seasonal employees. WorkInGreece, an online platform connecting international talent with Greek employers, reports over 2,000 businesses seeking foreign workers. Interest from potential employees is high, particularly from countries like India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Moldova, Georgia, and Vietnam. However, navigating the complex system remains a significant obstacle.

While attracting general laborers proves difficult, Greece has streamlined its EU Blue Card program to attract highly skilled professionals. Foreign nationals now qualify for the EU Blue Card even if they enter Greece visa-free or on a short-stay visa, expanding the pool of eligible applicants. Previously, only those with long-term national visas could apply.

Further simplifying the process, the pre-screening requirement for the EU Blue Card is now optional. Although not mandatory, undergoing pre-screening is recommended to avoid potential delays or application rejections due to missing documentation. This change aims to expedite the process and attract much-needed skilled workers to the Greek economy.