Current Immigration Landscape in Italy
In recent years, Italy has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its immigration patterns, with approximately 440,000 new registrations from abroad annually. However, the countries of origin for these new residents have shifted significantly within a mere three years. Between 2023 and 2025, a net total of 328,000 individuals were registered in Italy's 106 provincial capitals, contributing to the nation's net migration balance. The total number of arrivals from abroad in 2025 reached 439,916, a negligible increase of just 0.1% compared to the previous year, following a peak of 451,583 in 2024. Notably, arrivals from European countries have declined sharply, dropping from 169,397 in 2023 to 135,324 in 2025. This decline reflects a decrease in their share of total foreign registrations from 38.5% to 30.8% over the same period.
Shifts in Immigration Sources: A Surge from Morocco
Contrastingly, immigration from Asia has seen a significant upswing, with arrivals increasing from 94,688 in 2023 to 118,647 in 2025, marking a 25.3% rise. Asian nations now account for 27% of total arrivals, surpassing Africa to become the second-largest source of immigrants after Europe. Bangladesh leads the charge as the single largest country of origin, contributing 37,494 new registrations in 2025, reflecting a remarkable 44.3% increase over three years. Additionally, Morocco has experienced a staggering 71.6% increase in arrivals, rising from 21,223 to 36,425 in just two years, making it a significant contributor to Italy’s foreign population. Together, Bangladesh and Morocco alone accounted for nearly 74,000 new registrations, equivalent to one in six of all foreign nationals entering Italy. Other nations in Asia such as Pakistan and India also saw increases in arrivals, while Sri Lanka's enrollment figures more than doubled, showcasing the dynamic nature of immigration trends.
Meanwhile, Africa has also gained ground, with arrivals climbing from 96,152 in 2023 to 111,821 in 2025, a 16.3% increase. The surge is not only attributed to Morocco but also to countries like Tunisia and Senegal, which have reported substantial increases. In contrast, traditional European source countries have shown a clear decline. For instance, Romania, which historically contributed significantly to Italian immigration, saw registrations drop by 29.6%, while Albania continues to be a primary source, despite a decrease in numbers. Overall, while the total volume of foreign arrivals remains high, recent legislative changes regarding citizenship by descent have influenced migration flows from the Americas, resulting in a noticeable drop in numbers from countries such as Argentina and Brazil. Despite these fluctuations, foreign nationals continue to comprise a significant majority of the total migration figures in Italy.
As reported by en.ilsole24ore.com.
