Ambassador Francovigh of Italy expressed the nation’s interest in supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery from its 2020 economic crisis, emphasizing that stability can reduce illegal immigration. He highlighted the importance of legal migration, particularly for sectors like tourism and hospitality, and discussed the historical ties between Italy and Sri Lanka, noting a significant Sri Lankan diaspora in Italy.
During the 17th Conference of Italian Ambassadors held at the Farnesina, Damiano Francovigh, the Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, emphasized Italy’s vested interest in aiding Sri Lanka’s recovery post-2020 economic default. He highlighted that economic instability often leads to increased illegal immigration, a concern for Italy. In contrast, establishing legal migration channels can channel vital human resources into sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and skilled labor.
Ambassador Francovigh noted the long-standing historical ties between Italy and Sri Lanka, particularly referencing the Sinhalese community in Italy that has existed since the 1970s. This community not only fosters connections between the two nations but also plays a significant role in bolstering the Italian economy. He reported that the legal Sri Lankan diaspora in Italy comprises approximately 130,000 individuals, which could rise to around 200,000 when including irregular migrants. With about 5,000 visas issued this year alone, the ambassador indicated that Italy continues to attract interest from Sri Lankan citizens, many of whom have relatives or friends already residing there.
The remarks by Ambassador Francovigh highlight the complexities of migration and economic stability in Sri Lanka. The 2020 economic default significantly impacted the nation’s socio-economic dynamics, prompting discussions about legal versus illegal immigration channels. Understanding the historical migration patterns and the contributions of Sri Lankan migrants to the Italian economy further underscores the potential benefits of facilitating legal migration pathways for skilled individuals in various sectors.
In summary, Ambassador Damiano Francovigh’s comments reflect Italy’s proactive approach towards supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery while also managing immigration concerns. By fostering legal migration avenues, Italy can benefit from the skilled labor of Sri Lankan nationals, thereby enhancing economic contributions. The historical ties between the two nations underscore the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations focused on mutual benefit.
Original Source: ansabrasil.com.br
