Greece has decided to increase the number of employees at its diplomatic missions abroad in an attempt to speed up the visa procedures for those who wish to reach the country for work purposes.
Announcing the news, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece said that the country has already approved funding of €9 million, and the same revealed that an additional 600 employees would be sent to different third countries where Greece has diplomatic missions, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The decision of Greece to increase the number of employees was taken in order to make it easier for all third-country nationals to enter the country for work or other related purposes without having to wait for a long time for their visa application to be processed.
“With this action, the speeding up of entry visa procedures (Schengen Visa) is expected in order to facilitate the procedures for legal immigrants who wish to enter the country either to work (as seasonal workers, in the context of bilateral agreements, etc.) or for other purposes,” the statement of the Ministry reads.
Moreover, it was noted that by speeding up and facilitating the visa procedures, Greece also expects to attract more workers into the country, especially one who is highly skilled.
Currently, all nationals of third countries need to apply for a visa in order to be able to enter Greece for work purposes. Moreover, they also need to fulfil several other requirements.
Those who plan to reach Greece for work purposes need to apply for a Greece D Visa, also known as a National Visa. This type of visa permits all of its holders to enter and stay in Greece for more than three months, and it also permits them to engage in paid activities, in this case, work in the country.
Nationals of third countries applying for a Greece D visa need to make a visa appointment, attend the interview, and submit several documents.
Greece D visa applicants are required to submit the completed Greek visa application form, their valid passport, two passport-size photos, and copies of their previous visas.
In addition, applicants must also submit proof of having purchased travel health insurance, proof of having secured a place to stay in Greece, proof of financial means, and proof of employment in Greece, among others.
>> Greece Visa Types, Requirements, Application & Guidelines
Apart from applying for a work visa, those non-EU citizens who wish to work in Greece can also apply for an EU Blue Card. An EU Blue Card is a work permit that is issued to nationals of third countries who are highly skilled workers and who meet certain academic requirements.