A “second Cyprus” now lives permanently abroad. According to figures submitted to parliament by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Cypriot diaspora today number around 760,000, spread mainly across the following countries:
- United Kingdom: 350,000–450,000 Cypriots
- United States: 70,000–80,000 Cypriots
- Australia and New Zealand: 80,000 Cypriots
- Greece: 70,000 Cypriots
- Rest of Europe: 5,000 Cypriots
- Canada: 35,000 Cypriots
- South Africa: 35,000 Cypriots
- Other African countries: 5,000 Cypriots
The ministry notes that this information comes from the institutional bodies of the Cypriot diaspora.
By comparison, based on the 2021 Census, whose final results were announced in August 2024, the total population in the government controlled areas of Cyprus on 1 October 2021 was 923,381. Of these, 719,252 people, or 77.9 %, were Cypriots.
New plan to strengthen ties
In response to a question by Democratic Rally (DISY) MP Nicos Georgiou, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos also outlined the measures the ministry is promoting to deepen links with the overseas community. These are included in the strategic plan for 2025–2028 and cover:
- Regular online dialogue with the institutional bodies of the Cypriot diaspora.
- Upgrading the annual worldwide conference of overseas Cypriots held in Cyprus.
- Strengthening consular services provided to the diaspora by the Republic’s embassies, using mobile biometric collection units and creating new honorary consulates to offer adequate geographic coverage for diaspora communities, especially in large countries.
- Creating the “e-proxenos” online tool to provide consular information to Cypriots abroad.
- Support for young people in the diaspora - A free six month distance learning course is offered for Greek language, history and Cypriot culture, in cooperation with the Open University of Cyprus. In addition, Memoranda of Understanding are being promoted with various academic and research institutions in Cyprus to provide scholarships for diaspora and returning Cypriots, as well as short term paid employment opportunities.
- Promotion of an electronic platform for information and dialogue, aimed mainly at diaspora youth, along with the design of a dedicated mobile app for real time updates on developments and issues of national interest.
“The state must support them”
Commenting to Politis on the Foreign Minister’s reply, DISY MP Nicos Georgiou said:
“There is another Cyprus abroad, with almost 800,000 of our compatriots. The policies we are pursuing to bring them back or to keep strong ties with our country are not enough. Cypriots of the diaspora are a national asset and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Cyprus.
It is the duty of the state to support them in a substantive way in the reintegration process and to ensure that the desire to return home does not crash into bureaucracy. With cooperation, transparency and targeted policies we can turn intention into action and bring back to Cyprus human capital, knowledge and experience for the benefit of the country and our society.”