Migrants' socio-economic integration: an analysis of the Italian case

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that securing a first job is a crucial step in the integration of migrants. In Italy, the labour market is highly segmented, often penalising migrants based on their gender, country of origin, age at arrival, as well as their migration motives and long-term settlement intentions. This study uses unique data from the 2024 FOLCSI Survey, funded by AGE-IT Project Spoke 1, to analyse the socio-demographic and migration determinants associated with access to first paid employment in Italy. Binary logistic regression models are used to examine how individual and migratory characteristics influence the likelihood of obtaining a first paid job. The results highlight significant disadvantages for women and non-economic migrants, while factors such as age at arrival and educational attainment also play a crucial role. When analysed separately by gender, the results confirm the existence of structural barriers that hinder access to employment at the beginning of the migration process. This highlights the importance of considering individual characteristics upon arrival in order to better understand employment disparities among migrants.