On Tuesday 20 May, the Cypriot government officially launched the "Minds in Cyprus" initiative, an ambitious programme aimed at bringing Cypriots living and working abroad back to the island.
The main objective is to attract talented professionals in the fields of science, technology, business and public administration.
The major campaign is primarily aimed at Cypriots living in the UK. On 21 May, the programme will be launched in London, home to one of the largest Cypriot diasporas. Due to the high level of interest, the organisers have been forced to move to a larger venue and provide online access for those who have not managed to register in time to attend. The event will be held under the symbolic name of Brain Gain. The programme consists of two main parts:
- 'Changing Cyprus: new horizons for talent and entrepreneurship'.
- Why I came back: stories of return, belonging and influence.
The day will conclude with a Business Reception where participants will have the opportunity to network directly with representatives from business, government and academia in Cyprus. It will be attended by senior executives from 20 of the largest companies operating on the island, as well as representatives from centres of excellence, who will share their success stories.
The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, stressed that the return of Cypriots is not just an economic measure, but a strategic step towards creating a sustainable and competitive economy. He described Minds in Cyprus not as a tax gimmick, but as a tool for a profound transformation of the country.
We want Cyprus to become a land of opportunity, not only for those who have stayed here, but also for those who have left," said Christodoulides.
What does the programme offer to returnees?
The main measures introduced in Cyprus include
- Tax relief - a reduction in the tax burden for returning professionals.
- Financial support - support for companies and scientific institutions that employ returnees.
- Facilitated access to the labour market - assistance with employment and career development.
- Support for families - assistance with relocation, including housing, schools and adaptation.
What are the priority sectors?
The programme focuses on sectors where international experience is most needed. These include
- Information technology;
- Pharmaceuticals and biomedicine;
- financial services;
- clean energy;
- Public administration;
- Science and research.
It is worth noting that for Cyprus, the implementation of Minds in Cyprus is an opportunity to recover valuable human capital and gain access to innovative ideas, international connections and experience that Cypriot professionals will bring with them. For the participants themselves, it is an opportunity to build a career in their home country, to be part of a new wave of change and to contribute to the future of Cyprus.