President presents Action Plan for the Repatriation of Cypriot Talent in London

"Cyprus is changing and needs you all," President Nikos Christodoulides has told highly-skilled Cypriots working in the UK.

He was speaking to over 750 participants at the “Minds in Cyprus” event at Guildhall in London and many others following the event online on the evening of 21 May.

Speaking at the happening considered to be of high political and symbolic importance and co-organised by the Presidency of the Republic with Invest Cyprus and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI), Christodfoulides presented the new Action Plan for the Repatriation of Talent, within the framework of the Minds in Cyprus national initiative.

Acknowledging that the over 750 Cypriots working and living abroad present at the event had confirmed their deep connection with their homeland and their will to contribute to its development through their attendance, the President noted, "Your response has exceeded all expectations. It is not just an event. It is the beginning of a shared mission for a changing Cyprus with its people at the forefront."

Our country's most valuable asset is its human resources.

The President emphasised that the Minds in Cyprus initiative is part of a broader national plan that leverages Cyprus' strengths, investing in its own people.

"For us, this Initiative is a national mission. The homeland needs you, not only as professionals but as protagonists of a new era," he said, speaking in Greek.

Action Plan for the Repatriation of Talent – Four axes, clear timetable

The Action Plan focuses on four key interventions, aiming to facilitate the return and reintegration of Cypriots abroad, Christodoulides said:

First, strengthening tax incentives. Broadening criteria and increasing the ceiling of tax exemption for those who have remained abroad for seven years after their studies, expanding the circle of beneficiaries.

The new regulations apply in parallel with the existing 50% exemption regime for those residing outside Cyprus for 15 years or more.

"We are broadening the criteria and increasing the tax exemption ceiling. We are providing incentives with substance and perspective," the President underlined.

Secondly, a digital information portal is being created. A single point of information for work, housing, education, health, entrepreneurship and repatriation support, he pointed out.

"Return should not be a bureaucratic maze. We are creating a modern, friendly information and support system" Christodoulides told the audience.

Third, a talent and job-matching platform is being created. This is a new tool that connects Cypriot professionals abroad with businesses in Cyprus, mainly in highly specialised sectors.

"There is demand, there is supply. Now there is the tool to connect effectively," the President explained.

Fourth, holistic family reintegration support is being implemented. It includes accelerated naturalisation, children's access to education, Greek language lessons and social integration tools.

As Christodoulides underlined, "Returning is not just a professional choice. It is a personal and family decision. And we respect that in practice."

All the relevant information has been posted on www.mindsincyprus.com

Today's Cyprus. Development, stability, new opportunities

The President also cited specific data that demonstrate the positive dynamics of the Cypriot economy:

These included growth of 3.4% in 2024, among the highest in the EU. Unemployment has fallen to 4.9%, real wages are increasing, public debt is now below 66% of GDP, while the country has been upgraded to Category A by all international rating agencies, he noted.

Christodoulides pointed out that Cyprus is transforming into an economy based on knowledge and innovation. The data speaks for itself, he said, elaborating:

• The Information and Communications Technologies sector contributes 14% to GDP — an impressive figure that also reflects the success of our strategy to attract and retain high-value-added companies,
• Wages are increasing steadily, both in nominal and real terms. In fact, Cyprus is among the countries in the European Union with the highest increases in real wages over the last three years,
• Unemployment is at historic lows since 2008, the youth employment rate is rising, and the number of available jobs in key sectors continues to grow. For example, unemployment is at 4.9% and the number of job vacancies (to give an example) in technology sectors has increased by almost 37% from 2022 to 2024,
• Productive foreign investment in Cyprus is on a steady upward trajectory. In the last three years alone, our country has attracted a significant number of strong international technology and financial services companies, confirming the credibility and potential of the Cypriot ecosystem, the President said.

As Christodoulides underlined, "Cyprus is no longer just a destination for sun and sea. It is a destination for life and professional recognition."

"The image of our country is changing. The markets, the investors, the new generations are seeing it. And it is up to us to shape it even more dynamically," he continued.

Presence of representatives of businesses, investors and Centres of Excellence

Along with the large participation of the Cypriot diaspora, the event was also attended by leading executives from large businesses and Centers of Excellence in Cyprus, Cypriots who have already returned, foreigners who have invested in the country, as well as professionals who are experiencing the changing Cyprus every day. Their presence was not just for appearances' sake. They were there because they are looking for people with skills, experience and know-how. Cypriot talent who excels abroad and can return, contribute, integrate, the President intimated in his address.

The message they conveyed was clear: they are looking for people who see Cyprus not only as a professional destination, but also as a place of life, identity, security and perspective.

Message and invitation

The President closed his speech by addressing the Cypriots of the diaspora, "I invite you to return. I invite you to contribute. I invite you to reconnect with your homeland. Because this Cyprus needs you. And it is ready for you."

"Let's change it together. With a plan, with vision, with dignity. With you, the Protagonists," Christodoulides concluded.