Greece is actively pursuing enhanced labour collaboration with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations to tackle workforce shortages and bolster economic growth, according to Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris. During a meeting held in Athens with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Plevris underscored the importance of early bilateral labour agreements. He stated that such partnerships would not only protect the rights of workers and employers but also support Greece’s aim to curtail irregular migration.
The minister highlighted that managing migration has gained significance, especially with the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum coming into effect. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration and ensuring orderly workforce movement across borders.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions with Greece, noting that progress has been made since previous talks with the Greek minister. She conveyed her hope that both nations would soon reach a bilateral labour agreement, which she believes would create additional job opportunities for Vietnamese workers and enhance the relationship between the two countries.
In response, Plevris welcomed the ambassador’s proposal and instructed relevant Greek authorities to maintain momentum in negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. The goal is to expedite the finalization of labour cooperation agreements, paving the way for a structured and beneficial exchange of workforce resources.
According to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, approximately 1,700 Vietnamese workers currently hold valid residence permits in Greece, underscoring the existing ties between the two nations and the potential for further collaboration in the labour sector.