ABSTRACT
Italy has developed a piecemeal approach to immigration, lacking until recently a comprehensive and consistent policy framework. Because of its geographical position, this country is highly exposed to penetration by illegal immigrants from the south and from the east. The chapter provides an overview of immigration trends in Italy. It focuses on employment characteristics, labour market dynamics and the characteristics of the immigrant population itself. The chapter covers the main elements of current Italian immigration policy; namely the quota system for workers, permit types and conditions of stay. It offers a description of Italy's national integration policy, looking at the main features of policy for settlement of migrant workers and their civic participation. Italy's integration policy adopts a rather 'paternalistic' approach: immigrants are seen as socially weak subjects and, as such, are marginalized as civic actors.
