Greece’s Bold Strategy To Reclaim Talent As New York Event Draws Over One Thousand Five Hundred Expats From The United States And Canada

Published on December 9, 2025

Greece has launched a bold strategy to reclaim talent, as evidenced by the success of a recent event in New York that drew over 1,500 expats from the United States and Canada. This event marks a key initiative in Greece’s efforts to attract skilled professionals back to its shores, leveraging its growing appeal as a destination for both work and life. By engaging with the diaspora, Greece is not only seeking to reverse its brain drain but also to position itself as a prime hub for global talent.

On Sunday, over 1,500 Greeks residing in the United States and Canada gathered in New York for a major event focused on encouraging skilled expatriates to return to Greece. The event, organized by the Greek government, forms part of the ongoing “Rebrain Greece” initiative, which was launched to tackle the country’s shortage of highly skilled professionals, many of whom left Greece during the decade-long financial crisis that ravaged the nation.

The aim of the event was to reestablish connections between Greece and its global diaspora, offering an opportunity for Greeks abroad to consider returning to their homeland by showcasing job opportunities and incentives. The Labor Ministry of Greece, which coordinated the gathering, hopes to attract those who fled during the economic crisis and are now settled in North America.

The initiative has been gaining traction in recent years, especially as Greece has made considerable progress in overcoming its economic challenges. The financial crisis, which lasted from 2008 to 2018, led to an exodus of young, educated Greeks seeking better prospects abroad. Many of them were trained professionals in fields such as engineering, technology, healthcare, and finance. The economic downturn combined with austerity measures, high unemployment rates, and stagnant wages prompted thousands of Greeks to look for opportunities elsewhere, primarily in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The gathering in New York was the fifth outreach event under the “Rebrain Greece” initiative, following similar events held in cities such as London and Berlin. This program’s goal is to reverse the brain drain that severely impacted the country’s workforce. For years, Greece struggled with a shortage of professionals in critical sectors such as technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare. The government’s efforts to attract these individuals back home are part of a broader strategy to boost the country’s economic recovery and enhance its competitiveness in global markets.

The event offered a platform for expatriates to engage directly with potential employers in Greece. More than 35 prominent companies participated in the event, offering specialized positions across various industries. The participating organizations were seeking highly skilled professionals in diverse sectors, from construction, engineering, and technology to finance, energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and healthcare. These companies represented some of Greece’s most established and innovative firms, underscoring the country’s growing investment potential.

Attendees came from all parts of the United States and Canada, including far-flung states like Alaska, California, and Florida. Many of these expatriates had settled in the US or Canada after completing their studies or finding better job opportunities abroad. For many, the event was a chance to consider returning home to take advantage of new economic opportunities and a growing job market in Greece.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to meet with recruiters, learn about available positions, and take part in interviews. The range of sectors represented reflected the diversity of Greece’s expanding job market. For instance, companies such as Aegean Airlines, Alpha Bank, Cosmote, Deloitte, Pfizer, Titan Group, and HELLENiQ Energy were on hand to meet with qualified professionals. These companies not only offered competitive salaries and benefits but also presented a more optimistic economic outlook for Greece’s future.

The event served as a reminder of the important role that the Greek diaspora plays in shaping the nation’s future. Many Greeks living abroad have excelled in their careers in fields ranging from high-tech industries to finance, and their return could have a transformative effect on the Greek economy. The “Rebrain Greece” initiative is one of several government-led efforts to address the talent gap in the country, which has been one of the most significant barriers to economic growth since the crisis.

The government’s push to bring skilled expatriates back to Greece comes at a time when the country’s economy is showing signs of recovery. The Greek economy has grown steadily over the past few years, thanks in part to the country’s strong tourism industry, but also due to significant investments in innovation, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects. The success of these sectors depends, to a large extent, on a skilled workforce, which is why the “Rebrain Greece” initiative has become a priority.

The event was not only an opportunity for Greeks abroad to explore career prospects in their homeland but also served as a platform for networking and fostering connections between expatriates and their home country. It allowed attendees to see firsthand the changes taking place in Greece, as well as the opportunities for personal and professional growth that the country now offers.

For many expatriates, the idea of returning to Greece had seemed impossible during the worst years of the financial crisis. However, the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, coupled with a growing number of job opportunities, have made it a more attractive destination for returnees. The country’s competitive salaries, high-quality of life, and improved infrastructure have also played a role in making Greece an appealing place for highly skilled professionals to return to.

Greece’s new strategy to reclaim talent was evident at a recent event in New York, where over 1,500 expats from the U.S. and Canada gathered, showcasing the country’s efforts to reverse brain drain and attract skilled professionals back home.

Looking forward, the success of the “Rebrain Greece” initiative will depend on its ability to keep attracting talented Greeks back home. The government’s continued focus on supporting innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development will be crucial in ensuring that these returnees are welcomed into a thriving job market. As Greece recovers and grows, it is hopeful that many more skilled professionals living abroad will see the opportunity to return home and contribute to the country’s future prosperity.