In a significant policy shift, the Italian government has unveiled plans to issue an additional 10,000 migrant work visas for caregivers in 2024. This decision, announced on October 2, 2023, is part of a broader package of migration rules aimed at addressing the country's pressing demographic challenges.
Italy, grappling with one of the world's oldest populations, has seen its proportion of citizens aged 65 or older reach 23.2% as of 2020. This aging trend, coupled with a historically low birth rate of 1.29 children per woman in 2019, has created a critical shortage of caregivers. The situation is further exacerbated by projections indicating that Italy's population could shrink from 60 million to 47 million by 2070.
The new visa allocation will supplement the previously announced 452,000 work visas for the 2023-2025 period, representing a substantial increase of nearly 150% compared to the preceding three years. This expansion of legal immigration channels comes as a response to growing labor shortages, particularly in the care sector.
Giorgia Meloni's government, while maintaining a stance on curbing illegal immigration, has recognized the necessity of balancing restrictive measures with pragmatic solutions to address labor market needs. This approach reflects the complex interplay between Italy's demographic realities and its immigration policies.
The care sector in Italy heavily relies on migrant workers, often referred to as "badanti," many of whom come from Eastern Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the crucial role these workers play in supporting Italy's aging population. With healthcare costs expected to rise by 30% by 2045 due to the aging population, the demand for caregivers is likely to intensify.
The new decree also introduces stricter controls on sea rescue NGOs, requiring aircraft used for spotting migrant boats in distress to immediately inform authorities of their movements or face penalties. This measure aligns with existing regulations for NGO boats, which can be fined or grounded if their rescue operations are deemed improperly coordinated with the coast guard.
Additionally, the government has implemented more stringent anti-fraud safeguards in the migrant visa system. This comes after Meloni highlighted concerns about criminal infiltration and exploitation of the system. Starting in 2025, countries deemed high-risk for fraud, specifically Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, will face tougher checks on visa applications.
Italy's approach to migration policy reflects its complex socio-economic landscape. The country boasts the world's second-ranked healthcare system according to the World Health Organization, yet faces significant challenges. These include a high youth unemployment rate of 29.7% in 2020, a substantial "brain drain" with over 800,000 highly educated Italians leaving since 2008, and one of the EU's highest public debt levels at about 155% of GDP in 2020.
As Italy navigates these multifaceted issues, the new migration rules represent an attempt to address immediate labor needs while maintaining control over immigration flows. The success of these measures will likely have far-reaching implications for Italy's economy, healthcare system, and social fabric in the years to come.