At a time of heightened geopolitical and economic challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus are joining forces to strengthen regional stability, energy security, and economic growth. The three countries have agreed on a comprehensive strategy that links security measures with the creation of employment and investment opportunities, opening new avenues for cooperation across the region.

A central pillar of the agreement is the acceleration of procedures for the legal migration of Egyptian seasonal workers to Greece and Cyprus. Seasonal workers are expected to meet labour needs in key sectors such as agriculture, livestock farming, product packaging, and tourism. Their movement will take place through bilateral agreements that ensure lawful processes and the protection of labour rights.

According to Brief, the choice of Egypt is not coincidental. Geographic proximity, experience in manual and agricultural work, and the availability of labour make the country the most natural partner for seasonal employment in Greece and Cyprus.

Geographic proximity and labour availability

Egypt’s close proximity to Greece and Cyprus reduces both the cost and time required for the movement of workers.
At the same time, there is a large number of unemployed or underemployed individuals in Egypt who are willing to work seasonally abroad.

Professional experience

Egyptian workers have experience in sectors such as agriculture, livestock farming, product packaging, and other forms of manual labour, aligning well with the seasonal labour needs of Greece and Cyprus.

Intergovernmental agreements

Bilateral agreements on seasonal migration have been concluded between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, ensuring a legal and controlled flow of labour, with clearly defined rights and obligations for both workers and employers.

Economic considerations

Labour costs in Egypt are lower than those required by the local labour markets in Greece and Cyprus for seasonal positions.
Seasonal employment is also significant for Egypt, as it provides income through remittances sent by workers to their families.

Political and diplomatic cooperation

Cooperation on seasonal labour strengthens relations among the three countries, reinforcing political, economic, and social ties in the region.

However, cooperation also extends to the energy and technology sectors. The foreign ministers of the three countries discussed connecting Cypriot natural gas reserves with Egyptian infrastructure, ensuring stable energy sources and enhancing regional security. At the same time, they agreed to explore further trilateral cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, opening pathways for innovation and economic growth with positive implications for both domestic and European markets.

The talks were held in Cairo with the participation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis, and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.