A Welcoming Labyrinth

It might be the blissfully warm and sunny climate, the food, or the country’s long artistic and cultural heritage, that attracts a number of people to Italy. Certainly, the many foreigners that visit the country each year for tourism purposes can attest to its many activities and attractions. However, many more choose to take up residence in Italy, speaking volumes about its magnetism. Drawn to the country’s free education and healthcare systems, many immigrants move to Italy, becoming an important part of the work force, contributing significantly to the national economy.

Italy is a society deeply rooted in longstanding values such as family and tradition, which influences many aspects of its society, particularly in its approach and care of the young and old. The welfare state is still quite strong and robust, providing free education and healthcare to everyone. Unfortunately, the red-tape and bureaucracy involved in navigating the labyrinth to access benefits is often mind boggling and frustrating for many unaccustomed to the way “the system works”. Further complicating the process is the need to have at least a basic understanding of the language. Italians prefer to communicate in their own language and expect new residents to do the same. Unfortunately, with no national programs to help new residents learn the language, it can prove challenging but definitely necessary.

While Italy’s approach to non-EU immigration is quite strict (enforced quota system), it remains a welcoming and friendly country. Italian people are spontaneous, expressive, open, lively and sociable. Family and friends are highly treasured and leisure time embraced and celebrated. Any occasion or event that provides an excuse for Italians to gather and feast with family and friends is a wonderful tradition, proving conclusively that “eat, drink and be merry” is more than just a phrase, but a way of life in Italy.

Italy is characterised as being:

The cradle of art | Strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Etruscans and Romans, beginning in 8th century BCE, paved the way for later generations who would continue the tradition of appreciating and cultivating a diverse culture of art that exists even today.

Family-oriented and traditional | Italians highly value family and tradition, which can be seen in almost every aspect of society.

Welcoming and sociable | Italians like meeting new people and chatting with strangers. As long as one’s behaviour respects Italian usage and sense of good conduct, it is quite easy to make new friends.