Greece is actively looking to bolster its labor ties with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations to tackle workforce shortages and stimulate economic growth. Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, highlighted this initiative during a meeting in Athens with officials from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. He stressed that establishing early bilateral labor agreements would not only protect the rights of workers and employers but also support Greece’s broader efforts to curb irregular migration. This focus on migration management comes in the wake of the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, making the issue a top priority.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương acknowledged that talks regarding labor cooperation have been making progress since initial discussions with the Greek minister. She expressed optimism that a bilateral labor agreement between Vietnam and Greece could soon be finalized. Such an agreement would pave the way for more employment opportunities for Vietnamese workers and strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Plevris responded positively to the ambassador’s comments, instructing relevant Greek authorities to continue negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. The aim is to expedite the signing of labor cooperation agreements, thereby addressing Greece’s labor shortages while adhering to lawful and regulated migration processes.
The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum reports that there are currently about 1,700 Vietnamese workers with valid residence permits in Greece. This figure underscores the existing labor connection between the two nations and highlights the potential for expansion through formal agreements.