Greek Tourism Industry Grapples with Labor Shortage as Recovery Efforts Begin ,News from Greece, Latest News Athens

Greece is currently facing a critical labor shortage across key industries such as tourism, construction, and technology. With tourism accounting for nearly 20% of the nation’s GDP, the lack of workers poses a significant risk to economic stability. Bureaucratic delays and complex legal frameworks have exacerbated the issue, leaving thousands of positions unfilled and businesses struggling to operate efficiently.

Key Sectors Affected by the Workforce Shortage

Tourism Industry

The backbone of Greece’s economy, tourism, is severely impacted. Roles such as waiters, cleaners, chefs, spa staff, and office workers remain vacant, putting undue stress on businesses, especially during peak seasons.

Construction Industry

Essential for Greece’s infrastructure, the construction sector urgently needs skilled professionals, including welders, carpenters, electricians, and heavy machinery operators. The shortage is delaying major projects and increasing costs.

Technology Sector

In the tech industry, Greece is experiencing a scarcity of skilled professionals like machine learning engineers and cybersecurity specialists, threatening its ability to compete globally.

Challenges in Hiring Foreign Workers

Despite demand, hiring foreign workers remains a complex process:

Quotas: A fixed number of foreign worker roles restricts opportunities for businesses.

Permits: Employers must obtain special permits, adding layers of bureaucracy.

Worker Requirements: Foreign employees face challenges such as lengthy visa processes, securing tax identification numbers (TIN), and obtaining social security numbers (AMKA).

Efforts to Address the Shortage

Platforms like WorkInGreece are connecting businesses with global job seekers, with over 35,000 candidates from 11 countries currently registered. However, according to Vangelis Kanellopoulos, CEO of WorkInGreece, existing legal barriers are slowing down progress, leaving critical roles unfilled.

Economic Impact of the Crisis

The labor shortage is more than an operational challenge; it has far-reaching economic implications:

Tourism: Disruptions in this sector affect hospitality, retail, and transportation.

Construction: Delayed projects lead to missed opportunities for development.

Technology: A lack of skilled talent could hinder Greece’s digital innovation and competitiveness.

Resolving this crisis requires targeted solutions, including reducing bureaucratic red tape, streamlining hiring processes, and revising quotas. These efforts are critical to ensuring Greece’s economic stability and maintaining its position in the global market.

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Greek Tourism Industry Grapples with Labor Shortage as Recovery Efforts Begin

Rene Khan

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