Refugees aren’t a threat -they’re an untapped asset
Tourism might be booming, but Greece can’t find enough workers - and critical labor shortages stretch across key sectors like agriculture and construction. Meanwhile, thousands of refugees remain sidelined, often treated as a burden despite being here, eager, and ready to contribute. With a declining population and urgent staffing needs, it’s time to connect the dots.
“It’s inconceivable that we’re discussing an increasing number of deportations when statistics show that in Greece 750,000 work positions will need filling by 2050”, said Sofia Kouvelaki in The Guardian. “More than 1,400 kids have passed through our shelters and hundreds have thrived when given the opportunity in often very high-skilled jobs”.
Refugees aren’t a threat - they’re an untapped asset. By meaningfully integrating them into the workforce, we can address labor shortages, drive growth, and build a more inclusive society. If Greece wants to thrive long-term, refugee inclusion isn’t just the right thing -it’s the smart thing.