The Cypriot government will expand its outreach initiatives in May to attract highly skilled professionals under the national Minds In Cyprus initiative. The move follows parliamentary approval of a legislative framework that broadens tax incentives for returning expatriates. Government outreach will target international locations, including Athens, Thessaloniki, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
International Outreach And Strategic Engagement
Starting in mid-May, a series of job fairs will support the repatriation effort. The events are designed to connect employers with candidates through direct interaction, including CV exchange and on-site interviews. The format provides immediate access to job opportunities and enables employers to engage with candidates currently working abroad.
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The Mechanism Behind Minds In Cyprus
The initiative builds on a 2024 event in England, which attracted more than 750 Cypriot professionals working abroad. The online platform Minds In Cyprus, along with the Opportunities For Talent program of the Ministry of Labor, has attracted interest from 670 expatriates.
Candidates register by submitting personal, academic, and professional information, while employers list open roles. Current listings include 72 private-sector positions and seven public-sector roles, with 371 additional vacancies already advertised.
Data-Driven Matching And Ongoing Support
The Ministry of Labor’s department matches candidate qualifications with employer requirements. Data show 233 matches between candidates and job openings, although limited feedback from participants restricts full evaluation of outcomes. Advisors from the European Employment Services (EURES) support candidates by guiding employment and relocation.
Enhanced Action Plan For A New Era
The updated Action Plan includes measures aimed at accelerating repatriation and integration:
- Tax incentives have been expanded, with the exemption rate set at 25% and the cap increased from €8,550 to €25,000. The required period abroad has been reduced from 15 to seven years after completing higher education.
- Citizenship procedures for spouses and partners are being streamlined through the Population and Electoral Archive.
- Access to state-supported housing is being simplified by removing the two-year permanent residence requirement.
- Registration procedures for healthcare professionals are being accelerated, alongside recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Greek language courses are offered with state support to assist integration.
- Subsidies for in-house training and tuition support for children in private education are included.
The measures define the government’s framework for attracting and integrating skilled professionals into the domestic labor market.
