Greece Secures Only 25% of Needed Foreign Workers for 2025

Only 90,000 out of 360,000 needed foreign workers have been secured by Greece for 2025 — just 25% of the market demand. Tourism, catering, agriculture, and construction remain the most understaffed sectors. Tourism alone makes up over 10% of Greece's GDP, making the gap particularly concerning.

Urgent Gaps, Seasonal Pressure

According to Schengen.News, Greek authorities have signed several bilateral agreements — including one with India to bring up to 50,000 workers by summer. But despite efforts, labor market demands remain far from fulfilled.

Who’s Needed and Where?

The 2025 national hiring plan includes 89,290 third-country nationals, broken down into:

41,670 dependent employment positions;

45,670 seasonal jobs;

2,000 high-skilled roles.

Key sectors:

Land workers and general labor;

Construction and machinery operation;

Food industry (olive mills, cheese factories);

Healthcare and elderly care.

Why the Shortfall?

Although Greece has simplified visa processes and broadened agreements, it struggles with international competition, limited recruitment logistics, and integration infrastructure. Seasonal work conditions and uncertainty further deter migrant workers.

Integration Remains Critical

From 2023 to 2024, 148,000 work permits were issued, and an extra 32,517 approved in 2024. But the 2025 demand is a leap — driven by post-pandemic rebound and intensified construction activity.

To meet future demand, Greece will need to:

Expand agreements with origin countries;

Improve conditions and services for foreign workers;

Provide better accommodation and language support;

Offer long-term paths to integration.