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Italy's immigration economy contributes 9.7% to national GDP
Recent reports from the Fondazione Leone Moressa and Caritas-Migrantes highlight the significant economic and demographic impact of immigration in Italy. According to the Fondazione Leone Moressa's 2026 annual report, foreign-born workers account for 10.7% of the total workforce and generate approximately 197 billion euros in added value, representing 9.7% of the national GDP. This contribution is particularly high in sectors such as agriculture (21.3%), construction (18.4%), and catering (14.4%).
The report also notes a positive fiscal impact, with the state seeing a net surplus of 1 billion euros from the foreign-born population, as tax and social security contributions exceed public spending on welfare, health, and education. Additionally, migrant entrepreneurship is growing, with nearly 796,000 foreign-born business owners, a 21.3% increase over the last decade.
Data from the Caritas-Migrantes 35th Immigration Report indicates that as of January 1, 2026, there are nearly 5.6 million foreign residents in Italy, an increase of 188,000 people in a single year. While immigration growth in Italy has been slower than in countries like Germany or Spain over the last decade, it remains a critical factor in mitigating the country's ongoing demographic decline. However, the report warns of socio-economic barriers and the risk of exploitation, particularly in low-skilled sectors and the platform economy.
Entities
Caritas Italiana · Caritas-Migrantes · Fiorenza Pistocchi · Fondazione Leone Moressa · Fondazione Migrantes · Gloria Vellini · Istat · Italy · Maura Martellucci · Pier Franco Quaglieni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The anthology 'Le milanesi ribelli' will be presented at Libri e Collane d'Autore on October 22, 2026. www.imgpress.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The book 'La Basilica di San Francesco in Siena' details the eight-century history of the Basilica and its relationship with the city of Siena. sienanews.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maura Martellucci will present her book 'La Basilica di San Francesco in Siena' at the Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati on October 19. sienanews.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The book 'Da Cavour alla Repubblica' explores the historical, legal, and political relationships between the State and the Church in Italy. www.ilcarmagnolese.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pier Franco Quaglieni will present his book 'Da Cavour alla Repubblica' at the Santena library on October 21. www.ilcarmagnolese.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The anthology 'Le milanesi ribelli' features stories of unconventional women in Milan's history. www.imgpress.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There are nearly 5.6 million foreign residents in Italy as of January 1, 2026. www.interris.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There are nearly 796,000 entrepreneurs born abroad in Italy.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Foreign workers generate 9.7% of Italy's GDP.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The net balance for the Italian state regarding the foreign resident population is a surplus of 1 billion euros.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The foreign resident population in Italy increased by approximately 188,000 people in one year. www.interris.it