Migrant workers continued to play a key role in Italy's economy and demographics in 2024, while the number of foreign entrepreneurs kept growing, according to a report released Monday, reported Xinhua.
The Report on Immigration Economy by the Venice-based Leone Moressa Foundation said foreign workers generated about 177 billion euros in added value last year, equal to 9 percent of Italy's gross domestic product (GDP).
Of the country's 5.4 million foreign residents, 2.5 million were employed in 2024, making up 10.5 percent of the national workforce. Migrant labor continues to fill jobs in sectors facing local labor shortages, the report said.
Most migrants remain in low-skilled and precarious jobs, with limited prospects for advancement. "Better recognition of immigrant potential could further boost GDP, consumption and public revenue," it added.
Foreign entrepreneurship also expanded, with 787,000 migrant-owned businesses last year, or 10.6 percent of the total, up 24.4 percent from 2014. Over the same period, Italian-owned firms fell by 5.7 percent.
Immigrants also bolstered Italy's demographic balance, recording 9.9 births per 1,000 people compared with 6.1 among Italians, along with a lower mortality rate. Researchers said immigration growth has slowed, with Italy entering a phase of stabilization.
Romania, Albania, Morocco and China remained the largest foreign communities. The report concluded that if managed well, immigration continues to make a positive contribution to Italy's economy, demographics and public finances.
- Migrant workers
- Vital
- Italy
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
