Factsheet for measure
GR-2023-26/3873
– measures in Greece
Bilateral labour agreement between the governments of Greece and Bangladesh
Διμερής σύμβαση εργασίας μεταξύ των κυβερνήσεων της Ελλάδας και του Μπαγκλαντές
Background information
In the context of implementing a holistic approach to migration management and in order to respond to the growing demand for foreign agricultural workers, the Greek government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Bangladesh on migration and mobility in February 2022, which was ratified by the Hellenic Parliament on July 22, 2022, through Law 4959.
The objectives of this bilateral agreement are to meet the needs of the Greek labor market for temporary seasonal workers and to enhance cooperation between the two countries on the return of Bangladeshi nationals who do not have the right to legally reside in Greece.
Greece has been a destination for migrants from Bangladesh for many years. In 2023, it is estimated that there are approximately 45,000 Bangladeshi migrants in Greece, of whom 15,000 hold valid residence permits. In addition, another 5,000 left Greece in 2021 for other European countries in search of better working and living conditions.
Content of measure
The key provisions of the bilateral labor agreement between the governments of Greece and Bangladesh are as follows:
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regularization of the residence status of fifteen thousand Bangladeshi nationals who had been residing in Greece prior to February 9, 2022, whose residence status had not yet been regularized, who hold a binding job offer from an employer in Greece, and against whom there are no grounds of public order or security.
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legal admission, temporary residence, and employment of up to 4,000 Bangladeshi nationals annually.
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residence permits are granted for a five-year period, allowing temporary residence and employment for up to nine months within each twelve-month period. This type of residence permit does not confer the right to long-term resident status, nor does it permit family reunification.
There is an explicit obligation on the part of Bangladesh to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures for the identification and return of persons without authorization to stay.
The date set for the commencement of residence permits for seasonal employment under this agreement is July 1, 2023.
Use of measure
According to Infomigrants, a total of 10,337 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals applied for regularization in 2023 under the framework of the bilateral agreement
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement
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No involvement
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
There is no involvement of social partners
Views and reactions
According to a report by ELIAMEP, although the initial expectation was that the number of applicants would exceed the 15,000 residence permits, the numerous bureaucratic obstacles made the process difficult for those seeking to regularize their status. Applicants noted that many work in informal jobs without official employers — such as street vendors, flower sellers, etc. — which limits their ability to meet the requirements for legalization.
Supporters of the program argued that it represents the first concrete step toward ending the phenomenon of labor exploitation, which is particularly widespread in the agricultural sector.
Sources
