Greece Faces Labour Crisis with 200,000 Vacancies in Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector in Greece is experiencing a significant crisis due to a severe shortage of workers, leaving tasks such as harvesting in limbo. In response, there is a growing demand for the relaxation of visa restrictions to attract more workers to the sector. Entrepreneurs have urgently requested the government to address the pressing need for 180,000 laborers for agricultural work. The shortage has compounded Greece’s existing economic challenges, further impacting the agricultural sector and the overall economy.

In an effort to mitigate the labor shortage, Greece has signed an agreement to bring 5,000 workers from Egypt. However, those in the agricultural sector are calling for even more relaxed visa restrictions to attract additional workers. The government aims to issue 150,000 resident permits this year, following last year’s decision to grant work permits to illegal immigrants in areas facing labor shortages. The migration of youth, a challenge faced by many European countries, is exacerbating the labor crisis in Greece, particularly in the agricultural sector.