Study: Turkish Cypriot youth ready to return to the island under certain conditions

The Association of Turkish Cypriot Young Professionals has presented the results of the study «Returning to Cyprus: Obstacles and Needs», focused on the sentiments of youth living abroad. The survey was conducted from January to February 2026 among 145 young professionals, primarily aged 25 to 34, living in EU countries and the UK.

According to the research results, 42% of participants have not yet made a final decision about returning to Cyprus or are considering the possibility depending on circumstances. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents who stated they do not plan to return admitted they might change their minds if favorable conditions are created.

Family ties proved to be the main factor influencing the desire to return. At the same time, young professionals express serious concerns about their professional future on the island. They cite difficulties with employment and career growth, as well as bureaucracy, inefficiency of state mechanisms, and issues related to military service as the main problems.

Instability is a particular cause for concern: 81% of survey participants admitted that even after returning, they do not rule out moving abroad again.

Ardıç Taşçıoğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Young Professionals Association, emphasized that the study should be seen as an «action plan» rather than just statistical analysis. According to him, concrete reforms are needed for the return of youth, including the creation of an information platform for the diaspora, development of internet and energy infrastructure, support for entrepreneurship, and the implementation of a merit-based employment system.

Taşçıoğlu expressed confidence that with correct state policy, Turkish Cypriot youth can be brought back to the TRNC.