In Athens, Greece’s Minister of Migration and Asylum, Athanasios Plevris, is spearheading efforts to enhance labor collaboration with Vietnam and other ASEAN member states. This initiative aims to tackle workforce shortages and bolster economic growth. During discussions with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Plevris highlighted the potential benefits of early bilateral labor agreements. Such agreements, he argued, would not only safeguard the rights of both workers and employers but also contribute to Greece’s strategy to curb irregular migration.
The importance of managing migration has escalated, especially after the European Union introduced its new Pact on Migration and Asylum. Addressing this, the Greek minister expressed a strong commitment to refining migration management as a core priority. The proposed labor agreements are seen as a step forward in this direction, providing a structured framework to address the complexities of migration and employment.
Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Thị Thu Hương noted the progress made in labor cooperation discussions following previous engagements with the Greek minister. She expressed optimism about the potential for a comprehensive bilateral labor agreement, which would not only open up more job opportunities for Vietnamese workers but also strengthen the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Greece. Her sentiments reflect a mutual interest in fostering closer relations through pragmatic and mutually beneficial solutions.
Minister Plevris responded positively to the ambassador’s proposal, instructing relevant Greek authorities to continue and expedite negotiations with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. The goal is to finalize and sign labor cooperation agreements promptly, thereby addressing pressing workforce needs and aligning with broader migration management strategies.
According to Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum, approximately 1,700 Vietnamese nationals currently reside in Greece with valid work permits. This statistic underscores the existing ties between the two countries and highlights the potential for expanded cooperation in the labor sector, which could further benefit the economies of both nations.