Recession in Italy sparks immigrant exodus

Immigrant communities across Italy are packing their bags and leaving the country as the recession-hit state fails to show sighs of recovery.

Although the trend is not limited to Italy’s Chinatown districts, it’s more noticeable due to the numerous ‘For Sale signs seen around the former bustling districts. Canada is a popular destination, but the homeland’s rapid economic growth is attracting many Chinese.

Italy’s demographics point to a need for immigrants as the average age of the population increases and the birth rate diminishes. The country’s welfare budget is in danger of being swamped, with experts fearing that a declining population of working age will mean an even more declining economy than at present.

The present government seems reluctant to address Italy’s growing social problems, with new PM Mario Monti silent on immigration policies. The opposing Democrat Party, however, are campaigning on a promise to grant Italian citizenship to children born in the country to immigrant parents.

A leader of the Nigerian community, Romanus Nwaereka, is highly critical of present immigration policies, stating that Monti’s blocking of migrants in 2012 whilst offering indemnity to illegal immigrants already in the country had proved ineffective and costly. Sonia Fen, a representative of the Chinese community and Italian resident for 21 years, states that she fears Italians will be glad to see Chinese immigrants leave as they are unfairly associated with crime and the back economy.