Russian emigrants in Italy: are they seeking a better future?

In one Roman dwelling, a captive mahogany is hidden. Above the ceiling, you can notice a deceptive crystal island, entwined with dust. The blinds at sunset resemble a fish that has lost its way, tangled with scales. These lines belong to Joseph Brodsky.

The historical context of the Russian diaspora in Italy

Let's delve into the historical background of this phenomenon. Today, the Russian diaspora in Italy is not very large and makes up only a small part of the population. The Russian community is significantly smaller than other national groups. According to official statistics, approximately135 thousand Russian speakersThe number of people is certainly significant. However, what lies behind this fact? Italy is one of those countries that has experienced serious economic difficulties.

Economic difficulties after World War I

After World War I, Italy experienced a recession, unwanted unemployment, and an influx of refugees, which worsened the situation. Nevertheless, many Russians began to seek a better life on the Mediterranean coast, hoping for a bright future. However, did their dreams come true? Unfortunately, no. The economic hardships that struck Italy left Russian migrants without hope for prosperity.

Modern realities

The situation, as can be seen, has not changed even in 2013: the crisis continues to negatively impact the labor market. New jobs are becoming scarce even for Italians. According to current data, the largest groups among migrants are Romanians and Moroccans. At the same time, refugees from Syria and other conflict countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, are appearing on the Italian coasts. All these people are asking the Italian authorities for asylum—either political or humanitarian. Local residents are unhappy with this situation, as their homeland, already facing economic difficulties, is forced to bear the burden of caring for migrants.

Who are the Russian emigrants in Italy?

Almost half of them are women married to Italians who once decided to build a life in this country. Two decades ago, these women, holding higher education degrees, fully immersed themselves in family and household duties. However, today's young Russian women are eager to adapt: they are legalizing their diplomas and actively seeking decent job opportunities.

Let's take a look at the migration of men.

Russian men do not often come to Italy for labor migration. On the contrary, among the migrant workers, there are citizens from Ukraine and Moldova who engage in various types of work, such as agriculture and construction.

Historical background on Russian communities in Italy

The earliest Russian communities in Italy are concentrated in cities like Turin andMilan. In Milan, an association of Russian emigrants was founded in 1979, which during the Soviet era was one of the few channels for cultural interaction. Today, this association is actively involved in the social, labor, and psychological integration of Russians into Italian society.

Support for the Russian community

In Turin, there is also an organization known as "Zemlyachestvo," which has been operating for over thirty years and providing support to the Russian community. The main goal of this organization is to preserve the Russian language, cultural traditions, and characteristics. Nowadays, the Russian community in Italy continues to maintain its identity despite all the challenges and difficulties that time brings.

Cooperation of Russian communities in Italy

The cooperation of Russian communities with the authorities of Italy and local media is a key aspect of their work. Maintaining constant communication with Rossotrudnichestvo inRome and the General Consulate of Russia inMilan is considered important. Russian communities can be found not only in large cities like Milan and Turin but also in smaller towns across Italy.

Associations and cultural centers

In Abruzzo, the association "Italy - Russia 'Abrus'" is actively functioning, and a Russian culture center has been opened in Bari. In Venice, there is a cultural association called "April," while inRome, the Union of Russian Compatriots is operating.

Goals of organizations

The main goal of such organizations is to maintain communication among Russians living in Italy, as well as to promote the preservation and popularization of Russian cultural traditions. Various events are usually organized here:

• holidays;
• concerts;
• lectures;
• conferences.

As part of such events, Russian language courses are held, which children of Russian emigrants eagerly attend.

Online resources for Russians in Italy

There are also many online resources dedicated to the lives of Russians in Italy. On these platforms, you can find a variety of information about the country, its culture, politics, economy, and customs. Participants in interactive websites can easily make new acquaintances by communicating with native speakers, as well as find suitable job vacancies.

Discussion topics on forums

Within the framework of such forums, various topics are regularly discussed, ranging from:

• search for kefir and buckwheat;
• taxation issues, including taxes on televisions.

However, it is worth emphasizing that these internet platforms are usually characterized by a local focus and do not aim to become large news portals.

The absence of Russian neighborhoods in Italy

Moreover, in Italian cities, there are no clearly defined "Russian" neighborhoods, which sets Italy apart from countries like the USA or Israel. When it comes to real estate, immigration, and investments, users can find useful information on specialized Telegram channels that discuss topics related to employment and legal residency.

Immigration policy of Italy

In 2002, the Italian government began a new chapter in migration policy by introducing the so-called "sanatorium," which allowed foreign citizens to legalize their status. This enabled non-residents to move freely around the country. At the same time, the lack of legal status creates certain difficulties for foreigners, including:

• the inability to obtain health insurance;
• additional discounts on medications;
• driving school training rights;
• available employment options.

Tightening measures against illegal immigrants

Since 2011, the Italian authorities have tightened measures against illegal immigrants. People who do not haveresidence permitThey have lost the ability to send international money transfers. Employers also face risks when hiring such workers, as they could be fined if any legal violations are discovered. The Italian legal system has become stricter regarding labor regulations, which jeopardizes the safety of both workers and their employers.

The need to legalize status

These changes highlight the need for legal status to live and work comfortably in Italy, where integration into society can occur more successfully when all legal norms are followed.

Introduction to the issues of renting housing in Italy

During my research, I came to some interesting conclusions: "Italians renting their apartments to unregulated foreigners may risk losing their property." We decided to consult with Ekaterina Danekina, the head of the real estateagency "Love Calabria," who explained: "Currently, there are no exact data on such cases. Private property in Italy is protected quite strictly, and no one can simply take away an owner's property. However, there is an important nuance: owners must pay taxes on rental income, and long-term contracts must be registered.

Education in Italy

The question of the education system in Italy consistently attracts attention, as the costs of education can be quite significant. Undoubtedly, paying for private lessons with tutors often turns out to be high, especially when it comes to Ukrainian specialists who hold a prominent place in this market. However, it is worth noting that many of them cannot be considered licensed teachers, which raises a number of questions regarding the quality of their work.

Situation on the labor market

As for the job market in Italy, the situation here is currently less than ideal. Job searching often relies on personal connections and recommendations, which is a fairly common practice. Without such connections, the process of finding employment can be quite challenging, as many people start looking for jobs online. However, one must be particularly cautious, as the risk of encountering fraudulent job postings is quite high.

Personal experience

I know what I'm talking about, as I have a legal education and over six years of professional experience. However, as practice shows, my knowledge is not in demand in Italy. At best, I could get a job as a courier, which would require me to legalize and certify my documents, as well as get my diploma apostilled.

Factors influencing employment

Ekaterina Danekina emphasizes that success in finding employment in Italy largely depends on qualifications, education, and experience. While having connections can be helpful, the situation in this regard is no different from other countries in Europe. In Italy, the practice of family businesses is common, where almost all family members take an active part. However, in large international companies, such family ties do not play a decisive role.

• All candidates undergo a rigorous selection process.
• A number of interviews that are sometimes conducted via video call;
• The need for personal presence in the office is eliminated.

Working conditions in international companies

If you are planning to work for an international company, your place of residence becomes irrelevant. The main criteria remain education, work experience, personal qualities, and specialized qualifications. If you manage to impress a potential employer, they will take care of the necessary documents for your employment.

Many people, while staying in Russia, have a clear understanding of their professional goals and are actively seeking worthy employment opportunities.

Success in job searching

Overall, success in job searching directly depends on the level of education and perseverance.Specialists in fields such as medicine, engineering, or finance are always in demand in the job market, and their work can be highly valued.

Life in Italy

People's attitude towards life in Italy is quite diverse. For example, Maria shared her immigration experience: she moved to the country to legalize her relationship but ended up staying for a long time. While talking to friends who also decided to emigrate to Europe, she noticed that many of them start feeling nostalgic for their hometowns after just two months.

• Lifestyle, culinary habits, and local traditions can turn out to be completely different.
• Despite the impressive atmosphere and recreational opportunities in Italy, everyday life here turns out to be much more complicated than it may seem at first glance.

Conclusion

In conclusion of our journey on the topic of Russian emigrants in Italy, I would like to emphasize that despite all the difficulties and challenges our compatriots face in this amazing country, they continue to preserve their identity and strive for a better life.

We examined how economic crises in Italy and various migration factors affect the life and integration of Russians in Italian society.

Preservation of culture and traditions

The emotional connection to their homeland remains an important element for many, and although the Russian diaspora in Italy is numerically smaller than other ethnic groups, they contribute to the local cultural diversity. Associations, such as those inMilan and Turin, become important pillars where traditions, language, and culture are preserved. This serves as a kind of bridge between two worlds, helping former compatriots not only to adapt but also to develop their opportunities in a new country.

The significance of the internet and communities

We should also not forget about the modern world of the internet, which offers unique opportunities for communication and integration. Although local resources may seem limited, they help maintain connections and find support from people who share similar life circumstances.

• Russian communities in various cities in Italy represent vibrant systems that reflect the diversity of human destinies.
• The desire for communication and mutual assistance helps people overcome difficulties.

New horizons and opportunities

Time goes on, but among the newly arrived Russian emigrants, they continue to write their stories. These stories, full of hopes and realities, are an important element of the mosaic that continues to be formed in the heart of Italy. I believe that these people, enriching the culture of their second homeland, continue to seek new horizons and opportunities for self-realization, bringing fresh ideas and new traditions to Italian society.

Final thoughts

So, in conclusion, while the life and path of each of us may be challenging, through our joint efforts, support for one another, and respect for culture, we can create a better future. The world is becoming increasingly global, and it is important to remember the value of dialogue and mutual understanding between nations.