Government launches voluntary cash compensation scheme for IDP families in Georgia

“The Georgian government is introducing a voluntary financial compensation scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as an alternative to state-provided housing,” Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a press briefing today.

Under the new scheme, eligible displaced families can opt for a direct cash payout of 10,000 GEL per family member instead of state-provided housing.

The Prime Minister explained that while state-funded housing construction and rural property purchase schemes will continue, full housing provision for the remaining IDP population would otherwise take at least another decade.

“Since 2012, the Georgian government has successfully run the IDP resettlement program, with funding increasing tenfold. Over 45,000 displaced families have received new, fully equipped homes, while nearly 2,000 families purchased rural properties this year through the ‘House in the Countryside’ initiative. After current construction projects are completed, a further 2,600 families will receive apartments. Nevertheless, a significant number of families remain awaiting settlement, and completing this process through housing construction alone would take at least another 10 years,” Kobakhidze said.

To speed up support, eligible IDP families who have not yet received state housing or financial compensation can apply through the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labour, Health and Social Affairs.

“Financial compensation will be set at 10,000 GEL per individual member of a displaced family, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis according to application order,” Kobakhidze noted.

An initial 58 million GEL has been earmarked for the scheme this year, with annual funding set to increase in future budgets.

“Parallel to these cash distributions, housing construction and the rural housing scheme will continue uninterrupted for families who choose not to apply for cash compensation,” the Prime Minister added, offering thanks to the Health and Finance Ministries and the parliamentary majority for preparing the initiative. “We wish every displaced family prosperity and a swift return to their native land.”