In the framework of the HELIOS+ project, an online focus group discussion was held on December 3rd with program beneficiaries who are currently seeking employment, as well as with professionals working in career counseling and employer mapping. The aim of the discussion was to exchange experiences and identify the main challenges that refugees face in their job-seeking journey in Greece.

Through a structured yet participatory dialogue, the participants highlighted issues such as language barriers, the recognition of formal and informal skills, bureaucratic obstacles, and instances of discrimination in the labor market. At the same time, practical solutions and good practices were discussed, which can enhance beneficiaries’ employability, such as more targeted interview preparation, better connections with employers, and improved access to information about labor rights.

The participating professionals also shared valuable insights from their daily collaboration with employers, emphasizing the need to raise awareness in the labor market and to strengthen trust between candidates and businesses. The beneficiaries, for their part, described the real difficulties they encounter, providing meaningful qualitative input that will be used to design more effective actions.

The discussion, facilitated by an experienced moderator, underscored the need for cooperation among organizations, professionals, and beneficiaries themselves in order to enhance career-orientation processes and connections with the labor market. The results of the focus group will be utilized to enrich the future activities of YMCA Thessaloniki and to maximize the impact of the HELIOS+ project.

The Helios+ Project+ project is implemented in cooperation with IOM Greece and funded by ΕΣΠΑ through ΕΥΣΥΔ – ΜΕΥ of Ministry of Migration and Asylum ( Υπουργείο Μετανάστευσης & Ασύλου) and with the co-financing of the European Union.