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The Greek Supreme Court passed an unprecedented decision, with which it practically legalized all illegally working foreigners in the country (but only in the cattle-breeding and agriculture sectors). This decision affects hundreds of thousands of foreigners, predominantly from Bulgaria and Albania, who are working under really bad conditions in the Greek farming sector. The Greek Supreme Court committed to this decision after it was summoned by Albanians, working in green-houses around Athens. Most of the Bulgarian workers are working in farms in Northern Greece, near Kozani and Xanti.

According to the passed decision, the workers in the cattle-breeding and agricultural sectors are under the protection of the collective labor contract between workers and employers in the Greece. This counts for all workers, independently of whether they are Greek or foreign and whether they have work and residence permits. The collective labor contract also applies in the cases, where workers have been hired only under a verbal contract.

The decision of the Supreme Court means that all illegal workers have the right to receive a minimum wage and to work 40 hours per week. For every overtime hour, as well as for working on Sunday or during holidays, they need to receive 75% bonus to their salary.

Even though since January 1 2007 Bulgaria became a member of the EU, its citizens do not have the right to work and live in Greece without the necessary permits. The decision of the Supreme Court will positively influence the salaries of thousands of Bulgarians, who are doing a low qualification job in the agricultural sector.