Greece's parliament has recently passed a groundbreaking law aimed at providing residence and work permits to undocumented migrants, with a particular focus on assisting agricultural workers. This initiative, according to Schengen visa reports, is set to benefit approximately 30,000 migrants who will now be eligible to receive these essential permits.
The newly approved law, put into effect by the Greek parliament, primarily targets migrants from Albania, Georgia, and the Philippines. Under this legislation, migrants hailing from these countries will be granted a three-year residence permit linked to their job offers, marking a significant step toward safeguarding their rights and preventing exploitation in the labor market. The provisions of this law are applicable to migrants who have been residing in Greece without valid residence and work permits for a minimum of three years, up until the end of November.
The implementation of this law carries several benefits for both the migrants and the Greek government. One of the most notable advantages, as reported by the Greek Migration Ministry, is a substantial decrease in the number of illegal arrivals in Greece. In November, there was a reduction of 4,584 illegal arrivals compared to October, representing a 40% decrease from September figures. This decline in illegal migration reflects Greece's growing reputation as an attractive destination for individuals seeking to enhance their lives within European borders.
In recent years, many individuals have embarked on perilous journeys from neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, to reach Greece's eastern Aegean islands aboard small boats. However, there has been a significant reduction in the number of people undertaking these treacherous crossings. In 2015, nearly one million people arrived in Greece through such means, but this year, that number has dropped drastically to only 45,000. Out of these, around 39,000 have arrived by sea, while more than 6,000 have entered through the land border with Turkey.
Greece's new law not only addresses the urgent need to regularize the status of undocumented migrants but also contributes to the overall stability and security of the region by curbing illegal arrivals. It represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and lawful environment for migrants while reinforcing Greece's position as a responsible and progressive member of the European community.
Certainly, here are the pros and cons of Greece's new law granting residence and work permits to undocumented migrants:
Pros:
The newly approved law, put into effect by the Greek parliament, primarily targets migrants from Albania, Georgia, and the Philippines. Under this legislation, migrants hailing from these countries will be granted a three-year residence permit linked to their job offers, marking a significant step toward safeguarding their rights and preventing exploitation in the labor market. The provisions of this law are applicable to migrants who have been residing in Greece without valid residence and work permits for a minimum of three years, up until the end of November.
The implementation of this law carries several benefits for both the migrants and the Greek government. One of the most notable advantages, as reported by the Greek Migration Ministry, is a substantial decrease in the number of illegal arrivals in Greece. In November, there was a reduction of 4,584 illegal arrivals compared to October, representing a 40% decrease from September figures. This decline in illegal migration reflects Greece's growing reputation as an attractive destination for individuals seeking to enhance their lives within European borders.
In recent years, many individuals have embarked on perilous journeys from neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, to reach Greece's eastern Aegean islands aboard small boats. However, there has been a significant reduction in the number of people undertaking these treacherous crossings. In 2015, nearly one million people arrived in Greece through such means, but this year, that number has dropped drastically to only 45,000. Out of these, around 39,000 have arrived by sea, while more than 6,000 have entered through the land border with Turkey.
Greece's new law not only addresses the urgent need to regularize the status of undocumented migrants but also contributes to the overall stability and security of the region by curbing illegal arrivals. It represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and lawful environment for migrants while reinforcing Greece's position as a responsible and progressive member of the European community.
Certainly, here are the pros and cons of Greece's new law granting residence and work permits to undocumented migrants:
Pros:
- Humanitarian Considerations: The law demonstrates Greece's commitment to upholding humanitarian principles by providing undocumented migrants, especially vulnerable groups like agricultural workers, with legal status and essential rights.
- Preventing Exploitation: By offering a three-year residence permit tied to a job offer, the law helps protect migrants from labor exploitation and abuse, ensuring they have access to fair wages, safe working conditions, and legal recourse in case of disputes.
- Reducing Illegal Immigration: The law has contributed to a significant decrease in illegal arrivals in Greece, which not only benefits Greece but also reduces the strain on European Union border security and resources.
- Economic Benefits: Legalizing the status of undocumented migrants can have positive economic effects by allowing them to participate in the formal labor market, contribute to the economy through taxes, and reduce reliance on social welfare programs.
- Social Integration: Granting residence permits can promote social integration, as migrants are more likely to invest in language learning, education, and community engagement when they have legal status and stability.
- Resource Burden: Managing the process of issuing residence and work permits to a large number of migrants can be resource-intensive for the Greek government, including administrative costs and potential strain on social services.
- Political Opposition: Such laws can face opposition from political groups and individuals who are concerned about the impact on the labor market, public services, and national identity. This opposition can lead to polarization and unrest.
- Integration Challenges: While legal status is a step towards integration, it does not guarantee immediate acceptance or social inclusion, and some migrants may still face discrimination or social barriers.
- Limited Scope: The law primarily benefits migrants from specific countries (Albania, Georgia, and the Philippines), potentially leaving out others who may also be in need of regularization.
- Enforcement: Ensuring that migrants adhere to the conditions of their permits, such as maintaining their employment, can be challenging, and violations may strain law enforcement resources.
