Facing acute labor shortage, Greece to grant temporary work permits to certain migrant categories

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Greece, facing an acute labor shortage in critical sectors, including tourism and agriculture, moved to grant temporary work permits in certain migrant categories, according to media Tuesday.

The government’s amendment was supported by the 262 lawmakers with New Democracy (ND), main opposition SYRIZA, social democratic PASOK, Greek Communist Party (KKE), as well as left-wing Course of Freedom, and New Left parties, state-run AMNA news agency reported.

Thirty-one lawmakers with far-right the Spartans, Niki and Greek Solution parties, as well as former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is also currently a lawmaker with ND, opposed.

While one lawmaker abstained, five from the opposition did not attend the vote in parliament.

According to the new amendment, migrants and asylum-seekers who have been living in Greece for at least three years as of Nov. 30, and have no criminal record, can apply by December 2024 for new residency permits of three years if they have been offered a job. ​​​​​​​