The government’s effort to reconnect Cyprus with skilled members of its diaspora has attracted more than 750 professionals from around the world during its first year. Employers in Cyprus have also posted over 400 specialised vacancies through the “Minds in Cyprus” platform.
Presenting the initiative’s progress at the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, Head of the Office of the Deputy Minister to the President Irene Georgalla said it had developed from a strategic announcement into a policy producing tangible results.
Early participation and feedback
Since its launch, members of the Cypriot diaspora have submitted more than 300 questions, proposals and suggestions through the platform.
Georgalla said the programme was strengthening connections between Cypriots abroad, the domestic labour market, the economy and the country’s broader development strategy.
The initiative was announced by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides in London in May 2025. It is being implemented by the relevant ministries, Invest Cyprus and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the coordination of the Presidency.
Its objective is to link the international experience and expertise of Cypriots abroad with a development model focused on knowledge, international engagement and high added value.
Cyprus competes for skilled professionals
“Attracting and reconnecting talent requires coherence, continuity and, above all, national credibility,” Georgalla said.
She noted that Cyprus is competing for talent amid geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advances driven by artificial intelligence and growing international demand for highly skilled professionals. Talent, she added, is attracted not only by economic growth, but also by trust, stable rules and a clear direction.
According to Georgalla, the information and communications technology sector and the digital economy contribute around 14% of Cyprus’ GDP. The country’s research and innovation ecosystem includes 12 universities and more than 15 research institutes and centres of excellence.
Professional, financial and technology services are also continuing to expand, creating additional opportunities for specialised workers.
London career day attracts strong interest
A career day held in London in May attracted hundreds of Cypriot professionals based in the United Kingdom, with participation exceeding expectations.
More than 20 major Cypriot companies and organisations took part, allowing attendees to make direct professional contacts and explore specific employment opportunities.
Georgalla said the invitation to the diaspora was based not only on emotional ties to Cyprus, but also on credible career prospects.
Opportunities beyond repatriation
The programme is not aimed exclusively at professionals considering a return to Cyprus. For those seeking to repatriate, the goal is to provide meaningful employment and relocation opportunities.
Cypriots who choose to remain abroad are being offered opportunities for networking, professional collaboration and participation in the country’s economic and development path.
Georgalla also highlighted the introduction of a targeted tax incentive for repatriates, describing it as one of the initiative’s main policy tools.
Source: CNA.
