Thousands of migrant workers living in southern Italy are being exposed to extreme heat, unsafe housing, and dangerous labour conditions. A union in Italy, FLAI CGIL, based in Foggia, has raised serious concerns about the lives of around 5,000 migrants currently living in a makeshift settlement in Borgo Mezzanone, in the region of Puglia.
These workers, mostly from Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana, live in temporary huts made of aluminum, without proper ventilation or insulation. During the summer, temperatures often soar above 40°C (104°F), making the tin shelters unbearably hot. The union has called the living conditions “inhumane” and said the camp lacks basic services such as clean water, electricity, and sanitation.
The migrants work in nearby agricultural fields, picking fruits and vegetables under dangerous weather conditions. Many of them work without proper contracts, social protection, or health coverage. As climate change increases the number of extreme heatwaves in Italy, workers in sectors like agriculture are at even greater risk.
In another part of Italy, the President of the Lazio region, Francesco Rocca, issued an official order on June 5 banning outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to protect labourers from the harsh sun. This rule will stay in effect until August 31, showing how serious the heatwave risk has become for those working outdoors.
Islam Kotb, the Secretary General of FAI CISL in Latina, near Rome, called for stronger inspections and enforcement of labour protections. He stressed that migrant labourers are especially vulnerable, as they often lack information about their rights and are afraid to speak out due to fear of job loss or deportation.
Despite the risks, many workers continue to accept these conditions out of economic necessity. Most of them send money back to their families in Africa and depend on seasonal farm work to survive. But without proper housing or legal protection, they remain exposed to heat-related illnesses, workplace accidents, and exploitation.
Human rights groups and unions are now urging the Italian government and regional authorities to provide safe housing, regulate farm labour practices, and crack down on employers who violate labour laws. They also demand long-term solutions, including access to legal residence and healthcare for undocumented workers.
The situation in Borgo Mezzanone highlights a deeper problem of systemic exploitation of migrant workers in Italy’s agricultural sector. It also reflects the growing pressure on European countries to ensure basic human rights for migrants who contribute significantly to their economies, often under harsh and dangerous conditions.