Ministry of Labour puts restrictions on foreigners' pensions
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (http://www.ypakp.gr/) puts restrictions on foreigners' pensions. According to a Circular of IKA (Social Insurance Institute), the minimum pension will not be granted to former members who receive financial aid or pension from their home country. As for a second pension, increased time conditions will be required.
According to the newspaper "Ta Nea", controls from the Ministry of Labour revealed that a significant number of foreign states that reside permanently in Greece and get all their pension, while in fact spends more time at home.
Also, foreigners who get a pension can then submit their papers for the Social Solidarity Allowance (EKAS). Thus, although they have made few contributions to pension funds in Greece, the main pension together with EKAS can reach 720 euros.
It is worth emphasizing that under the EU regulations for European workers, if they have secured a year in their host country, have acquired all required stamps and complement the age and proven to be resident in this country are entitled to get a pension.
Members od IKA point out that in Bulgaria, Romania, Albania and Georgia, the average pension does not exceed 100 euros. Having submitted stamps with one to three years in Greece, they can receive a pension of up to 600 euros. They also state that most do not stay longer in Greece, having been returned to their country and receive their pension through their bank accounts. In addition, there are many complaints of the existence of networks that issue pensions with a tariff of around 1,000 euros, stating false address within the Greek territory and bribe someone willing to lend his address, since it is necessary for the foreigner applicant to prove his residence in Greece.
With instruction from the Ministry of Labour on the granting of the supplementary pension amount, the funds were ordered to put strict conditions. Provided certifying permanent residence for five consecutive years, even with the assistance of the Greek Police, while among others it is required to deposit copies of income tax statement of the applicant, in which the address of principal residence and income must also be stated.
Source:
in.gr, 14.01.2011, http://news.in.gr/economy/article/?aid=1231074443
Ta Nea, 14.01.2011, http://www.tanea.gr/oikonomia/article/?aid=4612985
