Italian Village With 115 Residents Offers Money, Houses and Jobs To Attract New Residents
- An Italian village has announced new packages and incentives, such as housing, jobs, and cash benefits, to attract new residents
- According to the mayor, the reforms are part of efforts to revive the historic mountain village by attracting young professionals and entrepreneurs
- He also opened up on the qualifications that applicants must meet before being considered to join the community
Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a village in Italy, has caught widespread attention on social media after disclosing its ambitious plan to boost its population.
Located in Italy, the village, through its mayor Fabio Santavicca, introduced a municipal programme aimed at attracting new residents.
Source: Getty Images
On the benefits the programme stands to offer, the municipality is providing €44,000 (approximately GH₵770,000).
This package comes with an annual contribution of up to €8,000 (about GH₵140,000) for three years, coupled with a one-time grant of up to €20,000 (GH₵350,000) to assist in the creation of a business in the mountains of Italy.
In addition to the generous funding, the village will also provide properties at reduced housing costs to participants.
Details about Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a village with a population of only 115 residents, of which 41 are already above 65 years old, while only 13 are under the age of 20.
A report by CPG disclosed that the number of older people living there poses a concern for the village’s continuity and development, emphasising the need for action to be taken.
“We just want the village to continue to live,” said Mayor Fabio.
Eligibility criteria to live in Santo Stefano di Sessanio
In the wake of the ageing population in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the village will only accept applicants between the ages of 18 and 40.
Persons desirous of relocating to the village must be willing to live there for five years and play an active role in the economic development of the community.
Applicants eligible for the programme should be Italian citizens, EU nationals, or foreigners with long-term residence permits within the European bloc.
Preference will be given to activities that provide essential services and promote regional products typical of the mountainous region.
Eligible positions include tourist guides, cultural or sports guides, tourist information officers, cleaners, maintenance professionals, convenience store managers, and entrepreneurs involved in the production and sale of local food products.
Source: Getty Images
The announcement by Santo Stefano di Sessanio has generated widespread reactions online, with many expressing interest in the proposal.
Canada announces skilled worker job opportunities
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported that Canada is seeking foreign nationals to come and work in the country.
Canada clarified that the opportunity is for skilled professionals in specific areas under the Express Entry category.
The agency explained on its website that persons with French proficiency stand a high chance of being selected under the initiative.
It also indicated that skilled professionals under nine job categories are eligible to apply to move to Canada and work.
Source: YEN.com.gh
