A long-awaited agreement between Greece and Egypt aimed at addressing labor shortages in agriculture is now entering the implementation phase, paving the way for up to 5,000 seasonal Egyptian farm workers to be legally employed across Greece.
The initiative comes as the country’s agricultural sector continues to face growing difficulties in finding sufficient workers during key harvesting periods. Farmers and agricultural cooperatives have increasingly struggled to secure labor for crops ranging from peaches and cherries to olives, kiwifruit and citrus fruits.
According to representatives of Greece’s agricultural sector, the first steps of the process are already underway. Around 150 candidate workers have been submitted for approval, with the relevant documentation forwarded to the Greek embassy in Cairo for screening and interview procedures.
The agreement, signed approximately three years ago, is designed to create a structured and legal framework for seasonal agricultural employment. Initially, it provides for 5,000 workers, although the number could be expanded if demand increases. More than 36 employers have already expressed interest in participating.
Recent discussions between Greek and Egyptian officials focused on practical aspects of the program, including communication between workers and employers, travel arrangements, and coordination mechanisms between the two countries.
For Greece, the agreement represents an effort to tackle a labor shortage that has become increasingly acute in recent years. For Egyptian workers, it offers access to legal employment opportunities abroad and wages that are significantly higher than those typically available in Egypt’s agricultural sector.
A key feature of the program is the flexibility for workers to move between different agricultural regions and crops according to seasonal demand. This would allow workers to remain employed throughout multiple harvesting periods across the country.
Under the agreement, seasonal workers may remain in Greece for up to nine months. Following their initial employment period, they may also become eligible to apply for longer-term permits under specific conditions, allowing them to return for future seasons through a simplified process.
Industry representatives have also highlighted the importance of adequate accommodation for workers, calling for support measures that would help provide suitable housing and basic living facilities.
Although administrative procedures still need to be completed, agricultural organizations view the agreement as an important step toward creating a stable, transparent and legal labor supply for the farming sector.
As labor shortages continue to pose challenges for agricultural production, the implementation of the Greece-Egypt agreement is being seen as a significant development for both farmers and seasonal workers, with the potential to serve as a model for similar agreements in the future.
