Greece is facing labour shortages in 17 occupations, as revealed by the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses.
Some of the most affected industries include food and hospitality, construction, cleaning, and skilled crafts.
This means that foreigners who belong to these roles and wish to move to the Hellenic country may have a higher chance of getting employment and a Greek work visa.
According to the latest EURES report, the following roles in Greece are struggling with a shortage of workers:
- Kitchen helpers
- Building construction labourers
- Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments
- Domestic cleaners and helpers
- Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
- Mechanical machinery assemblers
- Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
- Plumbers and pipe fitters
- Protective services workers not elsewhere classified
- Bartenders
- Waiters
- Hotel receptionists
- Contact centre information clerks
- Chefs
- Nursing professionals
- Supply, distribution and related managers
On the other hand, the report has also identified ten occupations facing a surplus of workers in Greece. Some of the surplus occupations include healthcare assistants, salespersons, receptionists, office clerks, psychologists, philosophers, historians and political scientists.
This implies that getting an employment offer in these roles might be difficult due to the high competition.
Greece Aims to Recruit Seasonal Workers From These Countries
That Greece is facing a shortage of workers has also been confirmed by a recent publication by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).
Although several industries need additional workers, construction and hospitality are facing “the greatest shortages”, according to the ELIAMEP report “Looking for seasonal workers: Greece’s search for migrant labour”.
Among other things, ELIAMEP’s publication noted Greece’s need for seasonal workers. Therefore, the country is looking for workers, particularly from Asian and North African countries. Moreover, the Greek authorities have signed several agreements with third countries in a bid to recruit a foreign workforce.
Reflecting the needs of the Greek economy, the emphasis has been on seasonal and temporary work and predominantly on skilled rather than high-skilled labour.
Greece Needs 180,000 Agricultural Workers, Exporters Claim
Greece’s agricultural sector is reportedly facing a shortage of 180,000 workers. Therefore, some exporters in Greece have recently called on authorities to ease entry requirements for hiring foreign land workers.
According to exporters, the deficit of agricultural workers is resulting in notable losses to farmers and the Greek economy.
In an effort to address the labour shortages, Greece recently signed an agreement with Egypt. Under this agreement, the Greek government aims to hire 5000 Egyptian seasonal workers in the agricultural sector by 2024.
