ROThe number of Greeks living abroad who have returned to Greece has exceeded those leaving the country for the first time since the economic crisis, according to an OECD report cited by AFP and News.ro. This trend began in 2021 and marks a reversal of the brain drain that occurred between 2012 and 2019, during which over 46,000 to 56,000 Greeks left annually due to high unemployment rates, which reached 26% in 2012. Over 800,000 people born in Greece still live in OECD countries, primarily in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and EU nations. The Greek conservative government highlights that 60% of returnees are university graduates aged 20–39, attributing this shift to policies such as digitizing public services, offering tax breaks for seven years to returning citizens, and recognizing foreign medical diplomas. Economic conditions remain the main factor influencing return decisions, though challenges like low wages, lack of meritocracy, high cost of living, limited research funding, and bureaucracy continue to deter some from returning.
Bias read (Right): The article emphasizes the success of the conservative government’s policies in reversing the brain drain, using positive framing around their initiatives (digitalization, tax incentives, diploma recognition). It quotes government officials expressing satisfaction and highlights the government’s 'g'
