Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi has expressed interest to make some arrangement for recruiting agricultural workers from Bangladesh on short-term basis.

During a meeting with Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed at his office in Athens yesterday, the minister also promoted regular and safe migration.

The ambassador proposed to the minister to consider bringing the large number of Bangladeshi nationals working in agricultural sector of Greece to legal fold who are positively contributing to the economy of the country, according to a press release.

At that time, he proposed either to regulariae their status by issuing residence permit to them or registering them as agricultural workers which will allow them access to health, sanitation, security and legal services.

Migration and Asylum Minister Mitarachi responded positively and informed that the Greek Government is going to issue 15,000 temporary work permits to irregular agricultural workers, given that they apply through their respective employers.

However, he reaffirmed that the irregular migrants who have exhausted all legal means to stay have to return to their country of origin. Greek government is strictly pursuing this policy to stem irregular migration and smuggling and wants to facilitate regular migration by all means, he said.

In response to the proposal of the ambassador to establish a legal framework for the recruitment of Bangladeshi agricultural workers, Mitarachi expressed the Greek government's readiness to positively consider such proposal from Bangladesh.

He mentioned that agricultural workers from Bangladesh may be issued with two years' work visa which would be beneficial for both sides.

The ambassador also requested to expedite the processing of pension for Bangladeshi expatriates upon return to Bangladesh after retirement. The minister was optimistic about the issue and assured of his support in this regard.