Italy Implements Dual Approach to Immigration

27 Dec, 2023

Italy Implements Dual Approach to Immigration

A 24-year-old migrant from Guinea, arriving in Italy in 2018, is setting a precedent in Tuscany as the region's inaugural migrant bus driver, part of an initiative aimed at filling labor gaps with foreign workers. Initially taken aback, he expressed astonishment at the opportunity. "I said, a bus? No, I cannot drive a bus," he recalled, surprised by the uncommon sight of an African behind the wheel of an Italian bus, especially one who arrived via boat.

This move reflects the contrasting approaches of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's immigration plans, encompassing both stringent measures and a more accommodating stance. Meloni, elected last October on a nationalist agenda, gained global attention for her pledges to tighten controls on unauthorized North African arrivals, intending to implement harsher immigration laws, limit sea rescue charities, and establish migrant reception camps in Albania.

Simultaneously, she's unveiling plans to welcome hundreds of thousands of migrants legally into Italy, seeking to bridge the yawning labor gaps in a country experiencing one of the world's oldest and rapidly declining populations. Italy faces an anticipated decrease of nearly five million people by 2050, with over a third projected to be over 65, posing a pressing need for younger workers across various industries, including construction, tourism, and agriculture.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the government's stance on immigration, aiming to regulate and steer the influx rather than leaving it in the hands of traffickers. This strategy includes agreements like the recent three-year deal with Tunisia, streamlining visa procedures for up to 4,000 Tunisians annually.

Giuliano Cazzola, an expert on labor markets, highlighted economic and demographic realities, suggesting that immigration could be a pivotal tool in repopulating Italy. He emphasized the immediate workforce contribution of migrants compared to the two-decade wait for newborns to enter the labor market.

Italy's demographic and labor challenges align with similar crises in countries like Britain, Canada, and Japan. Despite Meloni's government's efforts to curb unauthorized migrant flows, there has been a surge in sea arrivals from North Africa. In response, work visa quotas for non-EU citizens have escalated significantly for the 2023-2025 period, reaching 452,000, a 150% increase from previous years. However, the demand far surpasses these quotas, indicating a substantial need for labor.

Notably, the labor crisis in regions like Brescia, with a considerably lower unemployment rate than the national average, has led to innovative schemes. Initiatives like partnering with asylum seeker reception centers aim to directly recruit workers for industries facing acute staff shortages. Despite challenges, including unattractive working conditions and declining real wages, businesses strive to address the pressing need for personnel.

Meloni's approach, balancing tough immigration measures with labor market necessities, faces criticism from some government allies who prioritize tighter controls on influx. However, initiatives like employing migrants in roles such as Koulibaly's bus driving job are seen as vital steps toward addressing Italy's demographic and labor challenges while integrating newcomers into the workforce.