Nicosia, Cyprus. The government has made the repatriation of skilled professionals a central part of its economic strategy through the Minds in Cyprus campaign, launched to reverse the long-term emigration of skilled Cypriots. Nearly a year after its launch, however, available data shows limited measurable results beyond registrations and candidate-employer matches.
Programme objectives
The programme, branded Minds in Cyprus, was launched in May 2025 as a flagship initiative to address labour shortages in key sectors, including STEM careers and Cyprus’ growing technology sector.
Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said the initiative has a dual objective: reconnecting Cyprus with highly skilled professionals abroad and making their return easier through “a combination of incentives, practical facilitation and direct links with employers”.
Available data
According to figures submitted to parliament, 233 matches had been made between candidates and vacancies through the platform as of March 2026.
However, the labour department reported that neither employers nor applicants had provided systematic feedback on those matches. As a result, authorities have been unable to determine how many led to actual employment or relocation.
Limits in tracking outcomes
Officials have acknowledged the limitation. Piki’s office said Minds in Cyprus operates primarily as “an enabling and connecting mechanism”, with employment outcomes concluded between employers and candidates and not always centrally recorded.
The lack of outcome tracking has become a central limitation in assessing whether the programme is functioning as intended, with officials relying largely on registration figures and participation levels rather than verified returns.
Next presentations
Further presentations of the programme are scheduled to take place in Birmingham on June 22 and in London on June 23.
Piki said the programme’s mandate is intended to rebuild the country’s ties with its diaspora rather than deliver immediate returns.
“It represents an open invitation to reconnect Cypriots abroad with the possibilities and prospects of Cyprus,” she said.
