Greece is currently facing a monumental labour shortage as the country scrambles to fill 300,000 jobs typically done by foreign workers. 

The staggering number of jobs covers most industries and skill levels, ranging from pot washers in pubs to heavy machinery operators.

The tourism industry is one of the biggest in Greece, contributing almost one-fifth of the country’s GDP. To maintain such a large portion of the economy, more foreign workers are needed. 

Greece is currently looking for pot washers, waiters, cleaners, chefs, spa staff, and office workers. 

The construction industry is also suffering and needs to hire welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steamfitters, drivers, site supervising engineers, and heavy machinery operators.

Highly skilled workers are also required in the technology industry, specifically programmers such as machine learning engineers and systems security specialists.

Vangelis Kanellopoulos, the CEO of WorkInGreece, revealed that over 2,000 businesses of all sizes are trying to hire staff from around the world through his platform. 

On the flip side, over 35,000 people from 11 countries are looking for work on WorkInGreece. Kanellopoulos told Kathimerini News: “The existing legal framework … Presents many challenges.”

Hiring foreign workers depends on a multitude of factors, making it more tricky than hiring a local. There is already a set amount of jobs that are allowed to hire foreign workers and businesses must obtain a permit to hire them. 

The employee themself must also have the appropriate visa to live and work in Greece, and once they arrive they need a Tax Identification Number, a Social Security Number, and sometimes a blue card.

Delays in visas, tax numbers, and Social Security Numbers pose significant challenges to hiring foreign workers as they slow down the process, causing businesses to turn to local workers.

The whole process can take 6-9 months, which particularly affects seasonal workers and reduces the number of people who eventually get hired. 

Tens of thousands of foreign workers may be approved by the Greek government, but only a few decide to pursue the offer.