Work as a Way In: The Programmes Helping Refugees Find Jobs in Greece
Refugees and asylum seekers in Greece have the right to work. Getting to an actual job is another matter — it usually takes paperwork, legal help and Greek language training first. A handful of programmes exist to bridge that gap, and it is worth knowing what they are.
Job matching through UNHCR and METAdrasi
UNHCR set up its Integration Programme in Greece in 2022, aligned with the country’s National Integration Strategy. It offers individual support: career counselling, CV preparation, job matching and vocational training. UNHCR says the programme’s strength is the long-standing relationships it and its partner METAdrasi have built with refugee communities and with employers — being trusted on both sides is what makes matching people to real vacancies work.
Some of the training is quite specific. UNHCR reports a course qualifying refugees as childcare assistants, with graduates able to join the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs’ “Neighbourhood Nannies” roster.
Working with employers directly
UNHCR has also run ALMA with Inditex Hellas, an initiative placing refugees into fashion retail roles. According to UNHCR, eight refugees joined Inditex Hellas store teams through it, and the scheme was presented at an event in Athens in February 2026.
The funding picture
This work has narrowed. In its 2026 programme documents, UNHCR says a funding shortfall in 2025 forced its integration services to close in Lesvos, Crete, Ioannina, Kos and Leros, with limited assistance continuing in Athens, Thessaloniki, Ritsona, Chios and Samos. Greek language classes ended in October 2025. UNHCR puts the amount needed across its Greece programmes in 2026 at $8.3 million.
If you are looking for employability support, our NGO directory lists organisations working in this area.
Sources and further reading
- UNHCR, “Greece — Integration Programme 2026” (22 June 2026), via ReliefWeb — reliefweb.int
- UNHCR, “Greece — Programme Summary 2026” (22 June 2026), via ReliefWeb — reliefweb.int
- UNHCR Greece, on the ALMA initiative with Inditex — unhcr.org
- UNHCR Greece, Generating livelihood opportunities — unhcr.org
