Greece is actively pursuing stronger labor ties with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries to tackle workforce shortages and bolster economic growth. This initiative was highlighted by the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, during discussions in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris underscored the importance of early bilateral labor agreements, which aim to protect both workers’ and employers’ rights while also aiding Greece’s efforts to curb irregular migration.
With the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum in play, managing migration has become a critical focus for Greece. In this context, Plevris sees these labor agreements as a strategic step towards more structured migration management. The minister stressed that such collaborations would not only address immediate labor shortages but also align with broader economic and social objectives for the country.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương expressed optimism about the progress in labor cooperation talks, which have been ongoing since her previous engagement with the Greek minister. She conveyed hope that Greece and Vietnam would soon conclude a bilateral labor agreement, which would provide Vietnamese workers with more job opportunities and enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. Such an agreement, she noted, would be mutually beneficial and could serve as a model for similar partnerships with other ASEAN countries.
Plevris responded positively to the ambassador’s proposal, instructing relevant Greek authorities to expedite negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. The goal is to swiftly finalize labor cooperation agreements that can be implemented to benefit all parties involved. This effort reflects Greece’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that can help address its domestic workforce challenges while offering new prospects for foreign workers.
Currently, there are approximately 1,700 Vietnamese workers in Greece who hold valid residence permits, according to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This existing workforce underscores the potential for even greater collaboration and the need for structured agreements to manage and expand labor migration effectively. As negotiations progress, both Greece and its ASEAN partners are keen to lay down a framework that will ensure a sustainable and mutually advantageous labor exchange.