Foreign labor is now a structural component of Italy’s economy, not a temporary phenomenon. Recent data show that nearly 2 million employees working in Italian companies were born abroad, accounting for about 13% of the country’s total workforce.
This share has grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting both demographic pressures and the evolving needs of Italian businesses. Out of roughly 1,5 million active companies nationwide, about 508,000 – equal to 34,4% – employ at least one foreign worker. In practical terms, more than one in three Italian firms relies on international labor. This is no longer limited to seasonal or low-skilled roles.
