In a bid to tackle workforce shortages and boost economic growth, Greece is looking to enhance labour cooperation with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. This initiative was highlighted by Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris during a meeting in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris stressed that forming early bilateral labour agreements is crucial for protecting the rights of both workers and employers, which in turn could aid Greece in curbing irregular migration.
The push for improved migration management has gained momentum for Greece, especially after the European Union’s introduction of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Greek minister identified the management of migration as a rising priority and part of the broader strategy to align with EU directives. Further, the minister instructed relevant Greek authorities to advance discussions with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries to expedite the establishment of these labour agreements.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương acknowledged the progress made in labour cooperation discussions, following prior engagements with the Greek minister. She expressed optimism about the potential finalization of a bilateral labour agreement with Greece soon. Such an agreement is expected to open more job opportunities for Vietnamese workers and fortify the diplomatic and economic ties between Greece and Vietnam.
Currently, Greece hosts approximately 1,700 Vietnamese workers with valid residence permits, as per data from Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The proposed bilateral agreements are anticipated to not only increase this number but also ensure a structured and lawful process of migration, benefiting both Greece and the ASEAN nations involved.