The objective of the research is to give an updated account of foreign communities living in Italy, based on the data available about their size, distinctive features, countries of origin and given reasons for their presence. It also aims at weighing the role immigrants play on the economic and social development, now that they are becoming more stable and integrated. The essay focuses especially on the connection between immigrants (non-EU residents in particular) and labour market and evaluates the extent of the significant contribution which immigrant workers give to the production of national wealth and the positive influence they can have on readjusting Italy's welfare system. Since immigration is becoming unavoidable, it is necessary to promote positive integration policies, in order to improve its economic and social potentialities.

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