Hiring Beneficiaries of International Protection

Hiring Beneficiaries of International Protection

How do I hire Beneficiaries of International Protection

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 based on his/her status.

Social Security Number (AMKA)

If the international protection status is granted, the beneficiary obtains the residence permit. As a result, the PAAYPA number exchanges to Social Security Number (AMKA). The beneficiaries of international protection are eligible to issue the AMKA number to work and ensure his employment and pension rights as soon as they get their residence permit card. The beneficiaries can obtain the AMKA number submitting the relevant application at the closest Social Security Agency office (EFKA) or at the nearest Citizen’s Service Center (KEP). The beneficiaries should present the following documents:

  • The original and a copy of the valid residence permit along with the notification of the decision granting them international protection, as includes the names of the parents or the stamped 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)

Since the date of the decision granting the status of beneficiary of international protection is not the same as the date of the issuance of the residence permit card, it might occur that a beneficiary of international protection still has a PAAYPA number instead of Social Security Number (AMKA).

Tax Registration Number (AFM)

Every beneficiary of international protection has the right to issue a tax number (AFM) to work legally in Greece. To obtain the tax number every beneficiary of international protection should visit the nearest tax office presenting the following documents:

  • the original and a copy of the valid residence permit or the stamped 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)

Beneficiaries of international protection have the legal right to access the Greek labour market. Upon having an official job offer by an employer they have the right to be registered in the Registry Department and issue a National Insurance Number (AMA). The AMA number is a 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 beneficiary of international protection should visit the nearest to his/her residency Social Security Agency office (EFKA) presenting the following documents:

  • The original and a copy of the valid residence permit or the stamped asylum seeker’s card
  • In case of submitting a valid residence permit, the notification of the decision granting them international protection might be requested, as it includes the names of the parents which are not referred currently in the residence permit card
  • 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 it 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.

Bank Account

Every beneficiary of international protection 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 on the bank, an amount might be mandatory as deposit
  • Depending on the bank, a proof of employment might be requested (certificate of employment etc.)