The Irish government’s call for its residents living in Australia to return home to help build houses has backfired, with expats stating they would prefer to stay in Australia.
Ireland’s Department of Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has invested in an advertising campaign aimed at residents living abroad.
The campaign, launched in October, urged residents trained in construction to return to Ireland following a multi-million pound government initiative aimed at curbing the country’s housing crisis and increasing housing supply by 2030.
A campaign sign taped to the side of a building read: “You built Sydney, now go home and rebuild your home.”
However, the campaign sensationally backfired after an image of the sign was shared on the department’s Facebook account.
‘It’s a difficult step. “Australia is good for those who work hard,” said one of them.
‘I don’t think the Irish want to go home. “I know you guys love living in Oz,” a second added.
Ireland’s government has launched a campaign urging residents living abroad to return home.
The campaign, which has called on Irish residents trained in construction to return to Ireland to build homes as the country battles a housing crisis.
A third joked: “Only time would keep them here.”
Tens of thousands of Irish people have been approved to live and work in Australia in 2023, most of them young skilled workers.
In the 12 months to July 2023, more than 21,000 Irish citizens were granted working holiday visas in Australia, the most in more than 16 years.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs granted 21,525 working holiday visas to Irish citizens between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, more than double the 10,491 the previous year.
The steady increase in skilled Irish expatriates was surpassed only by those resident in the United Kingdom, with 38,177 working holiday visas granted and France with 26,896.
Thousands of Brits and Irish are moving to Australia after being wooed by the prospect of more sun, world-class beaches, cash and even finding a partner.
Many said they were attracted to the relaxed lifestyle and job opportunities in Australia.
It comes as both property and rental costs in Ireland have risen as the country grapples with its own cost of living crisis, rising rental prices and housing shortages.
The cost of rentals across the country rose almost nine per cent in 2023, with the average rental costing A$2,549 a month.
In Dublin, where demand is highest, the average rent for new leases was A$3,470 a month, an increase of eight per cent.
The cost of food in Ireland also rose by almost 13 per cent in the 12 months to August 2023, marking a significant increase on the previous year when inflation stood at almost 10 per cent.
A man and woman are seen arriving at their new home on the main road in Coogee, where many Irish expats live.
Nune Troy, business manager at Visa First, said she expects more Irish residents to move to the country.
“There are just more opportunities in the job market and better money, but I think it is also due to the cost of living and the housing situation in big cities like Dublin,” he told Independent News & Media.
“Since Australia relaxed its visa regulations in 2022 following the pandemic, Irish citizens up to 35 years old can now apply for a working holiday visa, whereas previously the maximum age was 30. So I think this has also increased the number.”
“Australia also offers an incredible lifestyle – where else can you be in the boardroom at 4pm and on the beach an hour later?” she said.
‘We are sure there are many 30-35 year olds who thought they had missed the opportunity to live and work in Australia who will take advantage of this exciting prospect; and Australia is ready to welcome them.”