Wide-ranging gov’t meeting focuses on providing aid, benefits and even jobs for Ukrainian refugees

Up until Friday, 2,074 Ukrainian citizens had been granted temporary asylum status, of which 50 people have applied to be housed, initially, in first reception centers.

Nevertheless, the Greek government has announced that it was considering extending the period of temporary asylum for Ukrainian refugees, who, by in large, are women and children fleeing an indisputable warzone.

Greece has immediately enacted a 12-month special temporary shelter regime for Ukrainian refugees, bypassing the current asylum process, and in line with a decision by European Union bodies. It’s that period that may be extended.

The relevant migration and asylum minister said available beds are 5,000 but can reach 30,000 in a reasonable amount of time.

The Greek government has also decided to use a fast-track process for identifying and providing a biometric ID to all Ukrainian citizens that wish to remain in the country.
Additionally, a website will be set up for providing humanitarian aid to displaced Ukrainian citizens, at https://migration.gov.gr/help-ukraine-online-form/

Public and private entities, individuals and NGOs can submit, online, the type and quantity of aid they can provide for Ukrainian victims of the war.

Additionally, representatives of the health and education ministries briefed participants on the readiness of hospitals and schools in Greece to receive Ukrainian patients and children – with five such pupils already enrolling.

Finally, a trio of ministries will be tasked with gauging the domestic labor market’s needs in terms of permanent and seasonal staff – ones not completely covered locally – thereby providing job opportunities to Ukrainian refugees.

Sectors such as agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, food and beverage and high-tech are either labor-intensive or in need of specialized professionals.