Migration policies are a core and strategic issue of Italian, European and African relations. Designing mid and long term policies that tackle migrations as a structural issue is fundamental to properly deal with the emergency and give aid. For this reason, the Centre for African Studies promotes a research on public policies on migration, particularly focusing on recent developments of the European migration policy after the Valletta’s summit with African governments in November 2015.

One of the pivotal issues addressed by public policies, analysed by the Centre for African Studies, is labour, fundamental for Italians, Europeans and the countries from which the migrants arrive. Migrant workers will be increasingly important in the community and in the job market of the country in which they arrive, whilst still perceiving themselves and being perceived as members of the community and job market of their country of origin, with which they are in constant social, economic and cultural contact with. They are both fully strongly tied to the Italian economy and, mainly through remittances, to the economy of their country of origin.

Labour and working rights are a fundamental component of bilateral and multilateral relations between Italy, Europe and Africa. The hope for better job opportunities – along with the escape from authoritarian regimes, war and violence – is the main factor for migrations. Ignoring this fact and refusing to create a legal and safe channel for job seekers will not stop migrants, but merely increase illegal activities.

So, the Centre for African Studies has developed a number of initiatives on this topic, organizing public events in Turin and Rome. Our Centre’s engagement firstly culminated in January 2016, when the CSA has organized an International conference at the Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Ministry, entitled “Migrations and International Relation. The Italy – Africa Agenda”, in the presence of the Foreign Affairs Minister of the moment, Paolo Gentiloni.