London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 10, 2025

Skilled, Educated, and Washing Dishes: How Italy Squanders Migrant Talent

Skilled, Educated, and Washing Dishes: How Italy Squanders Migrant Talent

Italy is a country with a long history of immigration, but it has struggled to integrate migrants into its workforce. As a result, many skilled migrants are forced to take low-skilled jobs, which is a waste of their potential and a drag on the economy.
The Problem

A recent study by the European Commission found that 67% of non-EU workers in Italy are overqualified for their jobs. This means that they have university-level education but are working in low-skilled jobs. This is a significant problem for Italy, as it is losing out on the skills and talents of these migrants.

The Causes

There are a number of factors that contribute to the underutilization of migrant talent in Italy. One factor is the language barrier. Many migrants do not speak Italian fluently, which makes it difficult for them to find jobs that require good communication skills. In addition, the Italian education system is not always well-equipped to teach migrants the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

Another factor is the lack of recognition of foreign qualifications. Many migrants have degrees and diplomas from their home countries, but these are not always recognized in Italy. This can make it difficult for them to find jobs in their field of expertise.

Finally, Italy has a relatively restrictive immigration policy. It is difficult for migrants to obtain permanent residency or citizenship, which makes it difficult for them to plan for the long term and invest in their future in Italy.

The Impact

The underutilization of migrant talent has a number of negative impacts on Italy. First, it means that Italy is losing out on the skills and talents of these migrants. These migrants could be contributing to the economy by working in skilled jobs, but instead they are stuck in low-skilled jobs. Second, the underutilization of migrant talent contributes to social inequality. Migrants who are forced to take low-skilled jobs are more likely to live in poverty and to experience discrimination. Third, the underutilization of migrant talent undermines Italy's reputation as a welcoming country. When migrants see that they are not being given the same opportunities as native-born Italians, they are less likely to want to come to Italy.

The Solution

There are a number of things that Italy can do to address the problem of underutilization of migrant talent. One thing that Italy can do is to provide more language training for migrants. This would help migrants to improve their Italian language skills, which would make it easier for them to find jobs that require good communication skills. In addition, the Italian education system could be reformed to better teach migrants the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

Another thing that Italy can do is to make it easier for migrants to have their foreign qualifications recognized. This would help migrants to find jobs in their field of expertise. Finally, Italy could reform its immigration policy to make it easier for migrants to obtain permanent residency or citizenship. This would make it easier for migrants to plan for the long term and invest in their future in Italy.

The Future

The underutilization of migrant talent is a serious problem for Italy. However, there are a number of things that Italy can do to address this problem. By taking these steps, Italy can make the most of the skills and talents of migrants and create a more inclusive society.

Similar Problems in Other Countries

The problem of underutilization of migrant talent is not unique to Italy. Many other countries around the world struggle to integrate migrants into their workforces. In the United States, for example, a recent study found that 45% of immigrants are working in jobs that do not require a college degree. This is despite the fact that immigrants are more likely to have a college degree than native-born Americans.

The problem of underutilization of migrant talent is a complex one. There are a number of factors that contribute to this problem, including language barriers, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications, and restrictive immigration policies. However, it is important to remember that migrants are a valuable resource for any country. They bring with them skills, talents, and ideas that can benefit the economy and society. By taking steps to integrate migrants into the workforce, countries can reap the benefits of their contributions.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
×