Integration Policies in Italy: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach- Migration and Integration

Abstract The integration process of immigrants in Italy is extremely complex because of the structural features of the Italian labour market, which diffe r according to the local realities and immigrant groups. Moreover, the issue of integration was embe dded in the conflicts of Italian politics. Over the last twelve years, the political context has largely influenced integr ation policies (and their absence): the Italian model of “reasonable integration” s uggested in 2000 has not been implemented, while, in the meantime, migration policies have been characterised by a populist approach, which has been abandoned only recen tly. In 2011, the Monti government made a first attempt to reintroduce the issue of integration of migrants as part of a national policy, establishing a new Ministry for International Cooperation and Integration, headed by Andrea Riccardi. This decision was hailed as a major turning point, a signal that immigration was finally seen as a resource for Italy. The new Letta government has even appointed a Minister for Integration – Cécile Kyenge, an Italian citizen born in Congo. The appointme nt of Cécile Kyenge signifies that parts of the political elite have recognised that immigration is not an emer gency or occasional phenomenon, but one of the structural characteristics of the Italian society. At the moment, integration policies are still mainly the task of the local authorities and the civil society. An outdated citizenship le gislation and racism are not th e only problems the new Ministry of Integration has to face. An ineffective sy stem matching labour supply and demand, lack of resources even for urgent integration policies, and costly policies of deportations will also have to be reconsidered. The Italian case can be interesting for other countr ies with regard to the experiences accumulated by the private-social sector. The public sector cannot be expected to solve the integration problem without relying extensively on, and leveraging on the resources of, the private and non- governmental sector . These sectors – i.e., employers’ and wo rkers’ groups, religious groups, civic, ethnic and immigrant organisations , private foundations, and the various community-based non- profit entities – have extensive experience with various aspects of newcomer s’ integration and can serve as crucial resource for immigrants. They should not, however, take over the responsibilities from the state concerning crucial tasks such as housing, employment, hea lth or education. But positive cooperation between these two sectors should be developed.