Expatriates to bring remote villages back to life
Welcome to Italy. Ollolai, a peaceful village located far from the traditional tourist resorts, in the province of Sardinia, has a lot to offer. It is looking for digital nomads to gain dynamism. The municipality has designed a special program for them, offering free accommodation. It is a perfect way to work, travel and meet new people. It's also an innovative way to make the small town more attractive.
But this isn't a new initiative. In 2018, Ollolai became known for its one-euro houses. The village is underpopulated and is doing its best to attract new residents. Foreigners are part of this strategy. In fact, the mayor of Ollolai has observed a significant growth in the number of foreigners in the community. Motivated by the one-euro houses programme, they did not hesitate to undertake large-scale renovation and refurbishment of abandoned buildings.
The new initiative of the town council should enable 30 foreigners to work remotely. Everyone can stay in the village for free for up to 3 consecutive months (the maximum visa-free stay in Italy for a non-European). The town council will also pay the housing bills and taxes. Twenty thousand euros have been voted for the project. Applications are open until December. The project is expected to last two years.
A virtuous circle
Digital nomads don't simply stay here for free while enjoying broadband (Ollolai combines quiet countryside with a good Internet network). They also participate in local life. The municipality wants them to discover the region, and invites them to festivals and events.
Digital nomads are also making a difference, as the Town Hall wants a win-win exchange. It is keeping a record of foreigners' visits. They can get involved in a variety of projects, such as making documentaries, writing essays, organizing or taking part in conferences, talking about their job, their presence in Ollolai, their discoveries, their commitment to the environment, preserving nature, etc.
Being paid to live abroad: A reality
Several countries are also inspiring themselves from Italy. The Greek peninsula of Antikythera has been in the headlines for some years now. In 2019, there was talk of the island's initiative to attract new residents. At that time, the island only had around twenty permanent residents. The municipality took the initiative to attract families (with at least 3 children). The offer included a house and a monthly allowance of €500 for 3 years, and it is still active. Saskatchewan, in Canada, is also targeting a very specific population: graduates. As part of the Graduate Retention Program (GRP), the Canadian province is offering a rebate of up to $20,000 (depending on the level of study). The offer is available to international students already living in Saskatchewan or moving to the province.
In the US, Vermont is offering up to $ 7,500 to attract new residents. In return, these new residents are bound to work for a local company. If the company is outside Vermont, they will have to telecommute to one of the New England towns.
Other initiatives exist, such as that of Presicce-Acquarica, a town in Italy's Puglia region. The town has become renowned due to its ambitious plan to attract new residents. Each new family that moves in is eligible for almost 30,000 euros. In return, they commit to buying a house. Furthermore, the city allocated a bonus of 1,000 euros per child.
Things to consider when relocating to a remote region
All these regions have one thing in common: their populations are aging and shrinking, and there is a shortage of young people. Fewer inhabitants means fewer shops, schools and public services, and fewer finances to support the community. It's a dangerous circle that local authorities are fighting to revive their towns. Therefore, relocating to remote areas should not be considered simply in terms of material and/or financial gifts (free or inexpensive housing, subsidies, etc.). Other aspects of life abroad also need to be taken into account. Are you looking for work? Are you changing careers or working? Will you find the same kind of job in your new community? Are you moving alone, with a partner, or with your family? What are your long-term plans?
An increasing number of expatriates say they are sensitive to environmental issues. Just as local residents left the big cities for rural communities during the global health crisis, expatriates are wondering about their environmental impact, their pace of life, and how they can contribute to life in their host region. Municipalities' plans to welcome new residents are part of this dynamic. More than just "anonymous new residents", these expatriates are expected to become a new link in the chain. Exchanges and sharing are at the heart of these projects. It's also another way for foreigners to give their life abroad a new meaning.
Useful links:
