The number of Greeks returning home has exceeded the number of those leaving, according to the OECD.

According to a report published by the OECD, the number of Greeks returning to Greece has steadily increased since 2021, and in 2023, for the first time since the economic crisis of 2009-2018, returns have exceeded departures.

Between 2012 and 2019, Greece lost annually between 46,000 and 56,000 citizens, mainly due to extremely high unemployment. Currently, over 800,000 Greeks live abroad, mostly in the USA, Australia, Canada, and the European Union. Approximately 60% of those returning are young graduates aged between 20 and 39 years.

The Greek government, led by Niki Kerameus, has implemented measures to encourage return, such as the digitalization of public services and tax reductions. However, challenges persist, including low wages and bureaucracy, and 15% of young PhD holders wish to emigrate.