Greece extends legal farm visas, rules out work permits for undocumented migrants
Greece has extended its legal visa program for seasonal agricultural workers until March 31, 2026, while reaffirming that no path exists for undocumented migrants to obtain work permits, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum announced on Friday.
According to ministry officials, the extension aims to meet urgent labor shortages in the country’s agricultural sector, especially during the ongoing olive harvest season.
The ministry issued the clarification to counter recent media speculation that the government was preparing a regularization program for undocumented migrants living in Greece.
Under the renewed framework, all foreign agricultural laborers must enter the country through the official seasonal visa system, which allows them to work legally for a fixed period.
At the same time, the ministry stressed that its policy on irregular migration remains unchanged.
Migrants residing in Greece without valid permits will continue to face strict enforcement measures, including detention and deportation.
Officials said the government’s approach seeks to balance economic needs in critical labor sectors with firm immigration control, ensuring that foreign workers enter the country only through legal and regulated channels.
