The hypocrisy of the government’s so-called “repatriation policy” is being highlighted by George Rountas, Vice President and Member of Parliament for NIKI, through a parliamentary question addressed to the Ministers of National Economy and Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.
The government promotes Article 5G of the Income Tax Code as an “incentive for repatriation.” In reality, as Mr. Rountas points out, it is a partial, bureaucratic and narrowly applied measure, benefiting only a small number of individuals. The strict eligibility criteria exclude the vast majority of Greeks abroad — freelancers, investors, highly skilled professionals, and second- or third-generation families — who could meaningfully contribute to the revival of the homeland.
This supposed “repatriation policy” focuses solely on taxation, ignoring equally vital dimensions such as education, cultural identity, social security and civic rights. There is no institutional support for Greek communities, schools, or the Orthodox Church abroad — the very foundations of national continuity. Moreover, the measure lasts only seven years and lacks any provision for long-term permanence, discouraging those who might otherwise consider returning to Greece.
Mr. Rountas demands clear answers:
– Does the government acknowledge that Article 5G applies to very few and cannot be considered a comprehensive repatriation policy?
– Will it extend the measure to include freelancers, investors, scientists and members of older generations of the Diaspora?
– Why have no educational or cultural incentives been introduced, such as scholarships, university admission quotas, or online Greek-language learning platforms?
– Why is there still no equal treatment between Greeks abroad and residents in matters of taxation, pensions and inheritance law?
– And above all, when will Greece finally adopt a National Strategy for the Greek Diaspora — one that transcends political slogans and truly integrates the Diaspora into national planning?
For NIKI, repatriation is not a public-relations exercise but an act of national investment. Greece must embrace its children abroad, create genuine conditions for return and long-term settlement, and harness the immense potential of the Diaspora for the nation’s renewal and strength.
