Many Greeks who moved abroad primarily during the economic crisis in the country between 2010 and 2021, leading to what experts have called “Brain Drain”, are now expressing interest on returning citing better economic and working conditions, found a survey released recently by the BrainReGain Initiative – Hellenism in Action.
According to a survey conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, more than half said they wish to return to Greece, while 21% said they hope to do so within a year.
More than 600,000 people, mainly in the productive age bracket, left Greece driven by the economic crisis, unemployment, and the lack of opportunities. The phenomenon, dubbed “brain drain”, impacted Greece’s family-centered society as well as the economy.
Now many are returning. According to Eurostat data, approximately 350.000 Greeks who emigrated during the crisis years have returned creating a new term: “brain gain”.
According to the survey, the majority of Greeks who left and now wish to return are in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands while less so those in the US, Canada and the Middle East.
The majority are around 35 years old, have lived abroad for more than six years, 70% hold a Master’s degree, and 18% a doctorate or post-doctorate degree.
Areas of employment include technology (19%), academia (10%), and healthcare (10%).
Greeks wishing to return are highly qualified and experienced in their field.
In an interview to the ANA-MPA, Marianna Doukakou, general director of the BrainReGain Initiative – Hellenism in Action, said Greeks abroad wishing to return cite improved economic conditions, a better professional environment, wanting to be closer to their family and friends, wishing to contribute to the development of Greece as reasons.
On the downside, they cite uncertainty in the labor market, lower wages, and bureaucracy as disincentives to return to Greece.
