Amid ongoing workforce shortages, Greece is looking to enhance its labor collaboration with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations, with a focus on facilitating economic growth. This initiative was highlighted by Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris during a recent meeting held in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris underscored the importance of early bilateral labor agreements, emphasizing that such agreements would not only safeguard the rights of workers and employers but also support Greece’s strategy to mitigate irregular migration.
The push for improved labor cooperation comes at a time when managing migration has become a pressing issue, especially after the European Union introduced its new Pact on Migration and Asylum. By establishing formal labor partnerships, Greece aims to better control migration flows while ensuring that both nations involved benefit from the arrangement. Plevris noted that these agreements are crucial for addressing the workforce needs of Greece while maintaining a structured approach to migration.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương expressed optimism about the progress made in discussions with Greece, stating that talks have advanced since earlier meetings with the Greek minister. She expressed hope that a bilateral labor agreement between Vietnam and Greece would soon be finalized, which would open up more employment opportunities for Vietnamese workers and strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The Greek minister responded positively to the proposal, instructing relevant authorities to continue negotiations with Vietnam as well as other ASEAN countries to expedite the signing of labor cooperation agreements. The intention is to create a framework that facilitates lawful and organized migration, beneficial to both sending and receiving countries.
Currently, Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum reports that about 1,700 Vietnamese workers are holding valid residence permits in Greece. This number underscores the existing relationship between the two nations and highlights the potential for future growth in labor cooperation, which could significantly impact both economies positively.
