Greece’s Medical Brain Drain and Labor Import Paradox
A Tale of Two Extremes: Greece’s Unique Migration Story
Greece is facing a fascinating yet complex migration phenomenon. On one hand, it’s a major exporter of medical professionals, boasting the highest ratio of doctors per capita among OECD countries. On the other, it’s a significant importer of foreign labor for sectors like tourism, construction, and agriculture.
But here’s where it gets controversial: this trend is driven by a combination of factors, including an oversupply of doctors and nurses, low pay, and challenging work environments in Greece’s National Health System.
The OECD’s International Migration Outlook 2025 reveals that Greece, along with Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, is among the biggest exporters of medical professionals within the OECD. These doctors and nurses are finding opportunities in countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK, creating an interesting flow of medical talent.
And this is the part most people miss: Greece also experiences a high return rate of doctors who earned degrees abroad, reflecting the internationalization of medical education. This unique aspect keeps Greece’s doctor-to-population ratio high, even if not all licensed physicians are actively practicing.
In contrast, Greece ranks among the lowest in nurse density within the OECD. This disparity highlights the challenges in retaining and attracting healthcare workers, especially in a country with a high demand for medical services.
While Greece exports its medical talent, it imports foreign labor for lower-paid sectors. Migrants in Greece are predominantly employed in hospitality, construction, wholesale/retail, and agriculture/fisheries. This influx of foreign workers helps fill labor gaps in these industries.
In 2023, Greece saw a 4% drop in overall emigration to OECD countries, but a significant 35% of Greek nationals who emigrated chose Germany. This shift in migration patterns is intriguing, especially considering Greece’s high migrant unemployment rate of 15.4%, one of the highest among OECD members.
To address labor needs, Greece designated over 89,000 positions for third-country nationals in 2025, including salaried, seasonal, and high-skill roles. Digital platforms and bilateral agreements, like the one with Egypt for seasonal agricultural workers, are facilitating these imports.
So, what’s your take on Greece’s unique migration story? Is it a sustainable model, or does it highlight deeper issues in the country’s healthcare and labor systems? Share your thoughts in the comments!