The great need for migrants in the Italian economy: overcoming educational barriers, skills mismatch, and socio-economic integration

Introduction: Migration has become a structural component of the Italian economy, particularly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, elderly care, and service activities. Despite persistent demand for migrant labour, significant barriers continue to hinder the full integration of foreign workers, including educational gaps, skills mismatches, and bureaucratic obstacles related to the recognition of qualifications. Methods: This study adopts a qualitative multi-method approach, combining an online open-ended questionnaire with company representatives (human resource managers) and focus groups with employers and key stakeholders— including vocational education and training providers, higher education institutions, NGOs, and organizations engaged in migrant reception and inclusion in Italy. The analysis explores sector-specific factors shaping migrants’ employment trajectories. Results: Findings indicate that labour market dualism and ethnic segmentation remain widespread, with migrants frequently channelled into occupational roles based on nationality rather than skill level. These patterns are consistent with the “Mediterranean capitalism” model (Amable), as the Italian case exhibits relatively strong employment protection alongside comparatively weaker social protection mechanisms. The study further examines the opportunities and limitations of skill partnership initiatives involving selected African countries, including Tunisia (construction) and Egypt and Ghana (manufacturing). While these programmes provide targeted benefits, they appear insufficient in promoting long-term employment stability and career progression. Discussion: The findings point to the need to reform qualification recognition mechanisms, expand sector-specific vocational training, strengthen workplace-oriented language education, and design more inclusive skill partnership frameworks. Such measures are essential to ensuring that migration functions not only as an economic resource but also as a socially sustainable process.