Shibkova Maria Olegovna – PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor at the Department of History and Politics of European and American Countries, MGIMO University
The article presents an analysis of the integration component of Italian migration policy, led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy with the active participation of local authorities and non-governmental organisations. The research method chosen is a case study, which allows us to examine existing practices of socio-economic integration of migrants on the example of the Tunisian community, which has one of the most numerous and long-standing presence in the country. In Italy, the country of first entry to the EU, the number of asylum seekers and migrants crossing the Mediterranean to reach the country has been periodically out of control since 2015, forcing the authorities to introduce restrictive measures and, at the same time, to look for ways to incentivise legal migration in order to provide foreigners with jobs in shortage areas. The study revealed that the Italian government pursues integration policies in two directions: advance training for those who are about to arrive, organised in the territory of the country of origin, and measures to facilitate the integration into Italian society and labour market of those who have already arrived. Both areas are complemented by various mechanisms and initiatives financed through a multi-annual national plan. The Tunisians living in Italy are well integrated, as evidenced by a number of indicators, such as the high percentage of family reunification, the high birth rate, the activity of civil societies, among others. Nevertheless, despite the Italian government's inclusive integration policy, marginalisation has not been completely avoided to date, as evidenced by the numerous ghettos scattered throughout the country.
Italy, European Union, Tunisia, Mediterranean, migration policy.
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