Italy is taking new steps to solve its growing labour shortage by hiring migrants to fill important job gaps across the country. In the Emilia-Romagna region, local industrialists have started a programme aimed at connecting migrants with companies that urgently need workers. The initiative, called “If you flee, I will hire you,” began in September and is already active in Bologna and nearby areas. Organisers say that the first group of ten migrants is ready to start interviews and could be hired very soon.
The project is led by Confindustria, Italy’s main business and employers’ association. The organisation says that Italy is facing a serious demographic crisis, with an ageing population and fewer young people available to work. Because of this, many industries cannot find enough people to fill essential roles, especially in small and medium-sized companies. Jobs such as cleaners, drivers, carers, welders, electricians and maintenance workers are among the most requested, but many Italians are unwilling to take them.
So far, Confindustria has interviewed 74 migrants living in CAS emergency reception centres in Emilia-Romagna, and 36 have already joined the programme. The first phase of the initiative will run for 12 months and includes job matching, skills assessment, Italian language training and support to help migrants understand workplace rules. About 250 migrants are expected to be hired during this first phase, covering around 174 different job roles.
To support this effort, companies will also receive special training. Human resource workers in these companies will learn how to read non-traditional CVs and properly evaluate migrants who may have skills but no formal documents. They will also be trained to organise workshops with migrants, helping them adjust to Italy’s work environment. The programme also includes classes on workers’ rights and responsibilities, in partnership with Italy’s major trade unions CGIL, CISL, and UIL.
Local leaders describe the project as an important step for both migrants and businesses. Sonia Bonfiglioli, President of Confindustria Emilia Area Centro, said the initiative is already moving quickly and is helping companies find workers they desperately need. She noted that without opportunities for young migrants, they may face serious risks or fall into difficult situations. By giving them a chance to work, the community becomes safer and stronger.
The need for workers in Emilia-Romagna is extremely high. Confindustria estimates that between 2024 and 2028, the region will require more than 300,000 workers, representing 8.4% of Italy’s national labour demand. According to OECD projections, Italy’s working-age population will drop by 34% by 2060, making projects like this even more important. In 2025 alone, over 4,000 migrants arrived in Emilia-Romagna and were hosted in CAS centres, most of them young and able to work.
Vincenzo Colla, Deputy Governor of Emilia-Romagna, described the project as a “beautiful and far-sighted initiative” that benefits everyone. He said people who flee their countries after difficult experiences must be given a real chance to rebuild their lives. At the same time, businesses can gain the workers they need to stay productive. Colla added that the region is building a new social and economic model that will continue with new laws in 2026, and this programme fits perfectly into that vision.
Leaders hope the hiring project will give migrants a fair opportunity to create a stable future while helping the region meet its labour needs. With proper training, support and inclusion, officials believe that young migrants can become an important part of Italy’s workforce and help reduce the impact of the country’s demographic decline.