Context: As part of the 'Our Living Islands' policy, the Ireland government is providing significant economic incentives to encourage relocation to the country’s islands.

• The policy plan raised concerns about the declining youth population. It showed that from 1996 to 2016, the population on the islands in the policy fell by 12.8%.

Key highlights

• According to Ireland’s official government website, the goal is to foster vibrant, thriving communities on these islands while preserving their unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty. The application process for this program will open on July 1.

• However, in light of the announcement, officials from the Embassy of Ireland to India have issued a warning about fraudulent visa schemes. They clarified, “The policy is only available to residents of Ireland with appropriate immigration permissions and is not open to non-EU/EEA nationals living outside of Ireland".

• As part of the project, the Irish government is offering grants of over €80,000 to new residents of these offshore communities.

• However, it’s not a straightforward process of moving into a cozy island cottage and receiving a large sum of money. The grants are specifically designed to support the restoration and renovation of abandoned and dilapidated properties on the islands. 

About The “Our Living Islands” policy 

• It is an Irish government initiative that offers financial incentives to people who relocate to the country's offshore islands. 

• The goal of the policy is to support the islands' communities, preserve their culture and natural beauty, and ensure their long-term survival. 

• Grants: The Irish government offers grants of over €80,000 to new residents. 

Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must:

• Purchase and own a property on one of the designated islands 

• The property must have been built before 1993 and been vacant for at least two years 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 65 

• Relocate to the island permanently 

Purpose: The grants are intended to support the restoration of abandoned and dilapidated properties.