Greece and Europe
Greece functions many times as the entry point of immigrants that want to go into other countries of Europe. Therefore the Greece and the European Union are inherently intertwined in the matters of immigration.
Immigration to Europe
In 2021, approximately 2.3 million migrants arrived in the EU from non-EU countries. The main countries of origin for asylum seekers since 2014 have been Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan . In the EU, in 2022, 9.93 million non-EU citizens were employed in the labor market, making up 5.1% of the total.
Immigration to Greece
In Greece, in 2020, 20,000 new migrants received residence permits for more than 12 months. The primary countries of origin were Albania, Germany, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Russia. In Greece, in 2020, migrants constituted 12.52% of the population.
Updates for Greece in 2021-2023
- In 2021, Greece saw a net migration rate of -1.074 per 1000 population, a 12.11% decline from 2020.
- In 2022, the net migration rate was -0.926 per 1000 population, a 13.78% decline from 2021.
- For 2023, the net migration rate improved to -0.778 per 1000 population, a 15.98% decline from 2022.
- The majority of asylum applicants in 2021 came from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria.
- In 2022, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 29%, reaching around 29,000. The majority came from Syria, Afghanistan, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- In 2023, refugee and migrant populations in Greece have decreased by more than half compared to the previous year.
Comparison of Europe and Greece
In the EU, non-EU citizens make up 6% of the population, while in Greece, migrants from third countries constitute 6% of the population, as well.
Migration Trends
Migration to Europe and Greece has been on the rise, mainly due to conflicts and the search for better employment opportunities.
Employment and Success in the Labor Market
Migrants often come for work, and many find employment, though success varies based on origin and gender. In Europe, non-EU citizens are overrepresented in certain sectors like hospitality and construction.
Yet even more workers are needed in these fields. Greece needs human capital to power its heavy industry, no other than Hospitality and Tourism.
Construction is on the uprise as well. Specialties like forman carpenters, bobcat operators, or construcion workers even with no prior experience, are on demand now in Greece.
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