OECD: More Greeks are returning to Greece for the first time than leaving

For the first time since the beginning of the crisis in Greece More Greeks return than leave. In 2023–2024, almost 98 thousand people returned, and about 69 thousand left.

For the first time since the beginning of the economic crisis, Greece records a positive balance of migration among its own citizens: more Greeks return to the country than go abroad.

According to a joint study OECD and Greek National Documentation Center (ΕΚΤ), 2023 was a turning point: for the first time since 2009, the number of returning Greek citizens exceeded the number of those leaving. In 2024, the gap became even more noticeable.

In two years, in 2023–2024, almost 98,000 Greeks, while the country was abandoned by about 69,000. In 2023, 46,091 people returned and 36,931 left. In 2024, the number of those who returned rose to 51,993, with 32,141 leaving. Data leads Naftemporiki.

Six out of ten have already returned

From 2010 to 2024 they left Greece 773 296 Greek citizens. Returned during the same period 473 044. This means that about six out of ten of those who left have already been repatriated.

It is also important who exactly returns. Many of the returnees are young and well-educated: more than half are between 20 and 39 years old, about three in five have a university degree, and nearly half work in high-skill professions, the study found.

That is, we are not just talking about border crossing statistics. The human capital that Greece lost during the years of crisis is returning to the country. Yes, fifteen years later the state has discovered that people with diplomas, experience and connections are useful not only at the departure airport. The sudden insight, as usual, came after a demographic blow to the head.

Athens News previously wrote about the scale of the Greek brain drain and that during the crisis years, it was primarily people of the most productive age who left the country.

From brain drain to brain circulation

The OECD suggests looking at the situation more broadly than just “left” or “returned.” We are talking about moving to a model brain circulation – circulation of knowledge, skills and professional connections between Greece and the countries where the Greek diaspora lives.

This means that not only constant returns are important for the country, but also cooperation with those who remain abroad: scientific projects, investments, business connections, mentoring, access to international networks and transfer of experience.

According to the study, 93% of the Greek diaspora is concentrated in just 12 OECD countries, including Germany, the US, Australia, the UK and Canada. This makes work with the diaspora more manageable if the state, of course, decides to deal with it systematically, and not with celebratory speeches once a year.

Return does not mean success

The main risk is that a positive balance of two years does not guarantee a long-term turnaround. The study emphasizes that returning to Greece does not automatically mean professional and social integration.

Among recent returnees, the employment rate is approx. 46%and after five years of stay in the country it is promoted to 72%. This means that adaptation requires time, adequate information, recognition of qualifications, simple administrative procedures and support in matters of work, housing and family.

Previously, Athens News reported on a study by ΕΚΤ, according to which some returning Greeks are already working in Greek companies, organizations or remotely for foreign employers. Greeks returning from abroad.

Main conclusion

Greece is really starting to break out of the brain drain logic. But it’s too early to talk about complete victory. Two positive years are an important signal, not a reason for a smug report with fanfare.

For brain gain to become sustainable, the country needs high-quality jobs, a predictable economy, a normal bureaucracy, affordable housing and real prospects for professional growth. Otherwise, people may come back, look at salaries, rent and another government services portal, and then again remember that the airport works in both directions.

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