Access to the labour market

Beneficiaries of international protection (refugee status, subsidiary protection status), have the right to be employed or self-employed. Their family members have the right to work as well.

On the other hand, asylum seekers may have access to the labour market, six months after the completion of their full registration with the asylum system. The right of access to the labour market is automatically revoked in the event of a rejection asylum decision which is not suspensive and the applicants are not entitled to reside in the country.

Applicants are required to inform the competent Reception Authority of any contract of employment they conclude or any declaration for commencement of business / activity.

Occasionally, there are employment programmes for migrants or refugees run by the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (www.oaed.gr).

Recognised refugees, subsidiary protection beneficiaries and asylum seekers (whether they have access to the labour market or not), can enroll in available adult educational programmes that are relevant to their vocational knowledge.

Those who have access to the labour market, have all rights that Greek citizens are entitled to (employment contract, basic salary, annual leave, overtime, insurance, pension etc.).

Requirements for beneficiaries of international protection
  • Residence permit
  • Tax Registration Number (ΑΦΜ) issued by the Tax Agency
  • Social Security Number (AMKA), issued by the Security Agency
Requirements for asylum seekers
  • “International protections applicant’s card” or “asylum seeker’s card” issued by the Asylum Service
  • Tax Registration Number (ΑΦΜ) issued by the Tax Agency
  • Temporary Security and Health Care Number, (ΠΑΑΥΠΑ) issued by the Asylum Service

Project Partners

Casework is a cooperation between the Innovation in Learning Institute (ILI), the ECC Association for Interdisciplinary Consulting and Education, the INTRGEA Institute for Development of Human Potentials, and Oxfam Italy. More info…