Greece begins process for 5,000 Egyptian farm workers

Greece and Egypt are moving into the implementation phase of a bilateral labor agreement that could allow up to 5,000 Egyptian seasonal workers to be employed in Greek agriculture.

The program comes as Greek growers and agricultural cooperatives continue to face labor shortages during harvesting periods for crops including peaches, cherries, kiwifruit, and citrus.

According to representatives from the agricultural sector, the first stage of the process has already started. Around 150 candidate workers have been submitted for approval, with documentation sent to the Greek embassy in Cairo for screening and interview procedures.

The agreement was signed about three years ago and aims to establish a legal framework for seasonal agricultural employment between the two countries. The initial allocation includes 5,000 workers, although the number may increase depending on demand. More than 36 employers have already expressed interest in joining the program.

Recent meetings between Greek and Egyptian officials focused on operational aspects of the scheme, including communication between employers and workers, travel logistics, and coordination procedures.

For the Greek agricultural sector, the agreement is intended to address labor shortages that have affected harvesting operations in recent years. For Egyptian workers, the program provides access to legal seasonal employment opportunities abroad.

Under the framework, workers will be able to move between agricultural regions and crops according to seasonal labor demand. The system is intended to allow workers to remain employed during different harvest periods throughout the country.

Seasonal workers may stay in Greece for up to nine months. After the initial employment period, workers may also qualify to apply for longer-term permits under certain conditions, allowing them to return through a simplified procedure for future seasons.

Industry representatives have also raised the issue of worker accommodation, calling for support measures related to housing and living facilities for seasonal employees.

Although administrative procedures are still ongoing, agricultural organizations view the agreement as part of efforts to establish a more structured labor supply system for the farming sector.

The implementation of the Greece-Egypt agreement comes as labor availability remains a challenge for agricultural production in several regions of the country.

Source: Tovima