Italy's Meloni talks tough on migrants while opening up to foreign workers

Meloni, known for her nationalist agenda, has been firm in clamping down on unregulated immigration from North Africa. Her plans include stricter immigration laws, constraints on sea rescue charities, and proposals for migrant camps in Albania. However, simultaneously, she's opening doors for legal migrant workers to fill significant labor gaps in various sectors.

Madou Koulibaly, a 24-year-old from Guinea who arrived in Italy in 2018, exemplifies this shift. He recently became Tuscany's first migrant bus driver, recruited to address the labor shortage in the transport sector.

Koulibaly's surprise at being offered the job reflects a broader change in the country's approach to integrating migrants into the workforce. His recruitment is part of Italy's efforts to revitalize its aging labor force, particularly in industries such as construction, tourism, and agriculture.

By 2050, Italy's population is projected to decrease by nearly 5 million, with over a third of the population over 65, according to national statistics. This demographic shift necessitates an influx of younger workers. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizes that the government's aim is not to oppose immigration but to regulate it, choosing who enters Italy and Europe, rather than leaving it to traffickers.

The Italian government's response includes raising work visa quotas for non-EU citizens, with nearly 452,000 permits planned for 2023-2025, a significant increase from previous years. These visas are mainly for individuals with existing job offers and are often used by undocumented migrants already in Italy to legalize their status. Despite the increase in quotas, the demand from businesses and unions far exceeds the available permits.

In Brescia, a northern province with a low unemployment rate, local authorities and business associations are collaborating to recruit workers directly from reception centers for asylum-seekers. This initiative reflects the urgent need for manual labor, which young Italians increasingly avoid. The plan includes training opportunities for selected asylum-seekers, leading to potential job placements.

Meloni's approach mirrors that of other countries facing similar demographic and labor challenges, such as Britain and Canada. Her dual track on immigration, however, has faced criticism from some government allies, like Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who prioritizes controlling arrivals over further openings.

In conclusion, Italy's current immigration policy under Meloni is a delicate balance between addressing urgent labor needs through legal migration and maintaining a firm stance on unauthorized arrivals. This policy reflects the broader challenges faced by many developed nations grappling with aging populations and labor shortages.