© Photo: UNICEF/UN022002/Georgiev. Syrian refugees in Athens walk around the apartment where they live while waiting for their asylum application to be resolved.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today welcomed the amendment voted by the Greek Parliament, which contains important provisions to facilitate the legal employment of migrants and asylum seekers in Greece.
The amendment provides that undocumented foreign nationals who have resided in Greece for three consecutive years before November 30 this year will be granted a residence permit for a period of three years, provided that they can provide proof of employment. The amendments also shorten the time that asylum seekers have to wait to obtain the right to work from six months to 60 days after filing an asylum application.
Achieve a win-win situation
IOM and UNHCR have repeatedly stressed that creating legal employment opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants is mutually beneficial, especially at a time when there is a shortage of labour in several sectors of the Greek economy. These measures not only promote economic growth, but also serve as an important safeguard against exploitation.
Gianluca Rocco, head of the IOM Mission in Greece, said that the law voted by the Greek parliament to enter into force is an important step forward in the management of migration in Greece, enabling migrants living in Greece to participate in socio-economic and cultural activities, while also contributing to the country's economy.
"This law will not only help facilitate migrants' access to the job market and help them access their basic rights, but it will also meet the needs of the Greek labour market and address the challenges faced by employers, thereby supporting the broader sustainable economic development of Greece," he said. ”
Positive political will
UNHCR Representative in Greece, Maria Clara Martin, also said that refugees, asylum seekers and migrants have long been ignored and marginalized, and that the amendment demonstrates positive political will to help break down these barriers and promote broader economic and social prosperity in Greece.
UNHCR and IOM will continue to support Greece's efforts to identify and implement humane and pragmatic solutions and to advocate for policies that uphold human dignity and promote socio-economic progress.
