Migration statistics of 2012 in Italy indicate the positive impact of this phenomenon. The same sources also indicate that the European peninsula saw a slow but constant growth in the number of immigrants, despite the crisis, as well as the immigrants' trend to settle in Italy.

The figures were presented during the recent launch of the “Statistical Dossier on Immigration” by the Italian National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) and the IDOS Study and Research Centre. According to these institutions there are about five million migrants currently residing in Italy. These represent 7.4 per cent of the population, contribute 12 per cent of the country’s GDP and pay over EUR 13billion annually in tax.

Foreigners in Italy represent 7.4% of the total population
North America and the European Union are the regions with the highest number of immigrants. In this context Italy has confirmed its role of destination country for foreigners, even during the crisis period. The 3.4 million foreign citizens residing in Italy in 2007 have became 4.4 million in 2012, equal to 7.4% of the total Italian population. In the same period, non-EU residents increased from 2.6 million to 3.7 million, according to estimates of the Dossier.

The origin of foreign citizens, mostly European
As regards the origin of foreign citizens regularly residing in Italy, according to estimates by the Dossier, Europe prevails with 50.3% of the total, followed by Africa (22.2%), Asia (19.4%), America (8.0%) and Oceania (0.1%). Most immigrants prefer the north (61.8%) and the centre (24.2%) of Italy.

Foreign students enrolled in significant numbers in the education system
In 2012 one of the main reasons for the growth of the foreign population was the large number of children born in Italy to foreign parents (about 80,000). If considering both minors born in Italy and those reunited with their families, the total number of non-EU minors staying in Italy is 908,539 (24.1% of the total), while the number of EU minors is about 250,000. Foreign students enrolled in the school year 2012-2013 represent 8.8% of the total number of pupils.

Family reunification, the most widespread entry channel
In 2012 more than 80,000 visas were issued for family reunification, which is the most widespread entry channel. The number of non-EU residents with permanent residence is about 2 million, higher than in 2010. The number of asylum applications has also increased. The number of foreigners staying legally for humanitarian reasons was, according to the report, 77,000. A reduction in work- and business-related immigration was recorded in relation with family reunification and asylum applications. The complete statistics may be consulted at http://www.dossierimmigrazione.it/docnews/file/2013_Sintesi%20Dossier%20EN.pdf.

The statistical immigration dossier is an annual study which covers the impact of migration in Italy. For 2012 the study focused on racial discrimination, reported in several activity sectors.

Source: http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/news-and-views/press-briefing-notes/pbn-2013/pbn-listing/new-migration-statistics-in-ital.html