Greece is taking steps to bolster labor collaboration with Vietnam and other ASEAN member nations in a bid to tackle workforce shortages and foster economic expansion. This initiative was highlighted by Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, during discussions in Athens with delegates from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Plevris underscored the significance of establishing early bilateral labor agreements, which he believes will protect the rights of both workers and employers while also aiding Greece’s strategy to mitigate irregular migration.
The minister pointed out that managing migration has climbed up the list of priorities, especially in the wake of the European Union’s latest Pact on Migration and Asylum. This pact aims to create a more structured framework for handling migration across member states, emphasizing the need for organized and legal migration pathways.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương expressed optimism about the progress made in labor cooperation talks since previous meetings with the Greek minister. She conveyed her hopes for a swift conclusion to a bilateral labor agreement, which would not only open up more job opportunities for Vietnamese citizens in Greece but also enhance the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In response to Ambassador Hương’s comments, the Greek minister expressed his approval of the initiative and instructed the relevant authorities to continue their negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. The goal is to expedite the finalization of labor cooperation agreements that will be mutually beneficial.
Current data from Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum shows that approximately 1,700 Vietnamese nationals are residing in the country with valid work permits. This figure underscores the existing connection between the two nations in terms of workforce exchange, signaling a foundation upon which more comprehensive agreements could be built.