Migration surges in and out of Italy, hitting decade-high levels

Italy is witnessing its highest levels of both immigration and emigration in a decade, according to new data released by the country’s statistics agency, Istat. The figures highlight growing concerns over labour shortages, brain drain, and demographic shifts.

In 2024, 3,82,071 foreigners moved to Italy , slightly up from 3,78,372 in 2023, marking the highest inflow since 2014. At the same time, 1,55,732 Italians left the country, compared to 1,14,057 in the previous year. This is also the highest level of emigration recorded in the last ten years.

Together, nearly 2,70,000 Italians emigrated over the past two years: a 40% increase compared to the 2021–2022 period. Immigration over the same time rose 31%, reaching nearly 7,60,000 entries.

The figures are based on Italy’s town registry data and do not include undocumented migration.

Ukrainians accounted for the largest group among new arrivals in the last two years, followed by Albanians, Bangladeshis, Moroccans, Romanians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Argentines, and Tunisians.

While Italy's right-wing government came to power in 2022 with a pledge to curb irregular migration, it now faces a dual challenge: a shrinking population and rising demand for foreign workers. Labour shortages and economic stagnation have made it difficult to retain citizens, especially younger Italians.

According to Istat, low wages are one reason for the rising emigration trend. Italian salaries, when adjusted for inflation, remain lower than they were in 1990. Many Italians are leaving in search of better economic opportunities abroad.

Istat noted that some of those counted as emigrants may be former immigrants who acquired Italian citizenship and later moved to other countries.

The report also pointed to internal migration within Italy. Calabria-the country’s poorest region by income, saw nearly 1% of its population relocate to central or northern Italy in 2023–2024.

(With inputs from Reuters)