Hire Asylum Seekers
Practical Guidance on hiring Refugees
As the refugee population represents a new pool of employees and the integration in Greek labour market is compound and requires the involvement of both parties-potential employees and potential employers- a respectful number of employers are aware of the opportunity to contribute to employability orientation of refugees and be benefited by their professional skills and talents as well. Cumulatively, the high rage of demand for worker in several sectors, the rapid demographic changes, the hesitation of the new generation of national employees to work in sectors different than the field of their expertise having an negative impact on the pool of candidates and the fact that the refugees have the right to set up an enterprise and they might attempt to hire persons under the same legal status, the following guidance aims to provide information about the requirements that every potential employers should know to hire a refugee.
How do i hire Asylum Seekers
Provisional Insurance and Health Care number (PAAYPA)
Until January of 2020 every asylum seeker had the right to obtain an AMKA number to work legally in Greece. Following the decision of the Ministry of Migration, since February of 2020 every asylum seeker has the right to receive a Provisional Insurance and Health Care number (PAAYPA) instead of AMKA. The new number is unique, corresponds to the full registration card and provides access to medical care, social security, and labour market. Upon application for international protection, the asylum service proceeds to the issuance of the PAAYPA. The issuance should be confirmed via IDIKA application (https://www.amka.gr/have-paaypa/).
Tax Registration Number (AFM)
Every asylum seeker has the right to issue a tax registration number (AFM) to work legally in Greece (6 months after their application). To obtain the tax number every asylum seeker should visit the nearest tax office presenting the following documents: – The original and a copy of the valid asylum seeker’s card – Recent proof of address (e.g., certificate of service provision, utility bill, or a solemn declaration by a host or landlord
National Insurance Number (AMA)
Asylum seekers who are granted with the legal right to access the labour market and have an official job offer by an employer have the right to be registered in the Registry Department and issue a National Insurance Number (AMA). The AMA number is personal and unique number, which is required to complete the hiring and ensure the employer’s national insurance contribution for every employee. To obtain the AMA number every asylum seeker should visit the nearest to their residency address Social Security Agency office (EFKA) presenting: – The original and a copy of the valid asylum seeker’s card indicates that the beneficiary has the right to enter the Greek labour market, the PAAYPA number included – Recent proof of address (e.g., certificate of service provision, utility bill, or a solemn declaration by a host or landlord) – The employer’s certification of recruitment, if existed. Since the AMA number is a prerequisite to complete the hiring and receive a copy of the contract, the presenting of the contract is not necessary. Most of the time, the existence of a job offer is not mandatory
Payroll Bank Account:
Every asylum seeker can obtain a payroll bank account visiting a bank of his/her preference. Most of the time, he/she should coordinate with the potential employer to receive information about the brand of the bank that the employer is cooperating with to obtain an account connected with his/her salary’s payment. The required documents for obtaining a payroll bank account might differ depending on the bank. The minimum required documents are the following: – The original and a copy of the valid asylum seeker’s card – Recent proof of address (e.g., certificate of service provision, utility bill, or a solemn declaration by a host or landlord) – A copy of the document of AFM issuance – A certificate from the mobile company stating that the mobile phone is listed under his/her name – Depending the bank, a tax clearance, or a certification that he/she had no obligation to submit a tax declaration – Depending the bank, an amount might be mandatory as deposit – Depending the bank, a proof of employment might be requested (e.g., certificate of employment etc.)