Hello All,

I am new to this site. I am researching my family history but I won't bore you with it.

I am curious about some information I keep reading about on the BBC.

The articles are about how Italy is losing population. Italians are not having children or marrying for that matter.

Has anyone thought about maybe having the goverment invite Italian-Americans or Italian-Canadians ect. back to Italy with tax incentives so that they can establish themselves thereby giving a rise in population and possibly have a few kids in the process. Just an idea I am too old to have kids.

Has anyone been to Santo Stefano d'Aveto that is where my family came from. I would love to know what it is like.

Cheers

Kathy Harvey
charliesmom46

Kathy
The government sort of reacted to the future 'shortage' of Italians. About 10 / 15 years ago they did relax the requirements to acquire an Italian citizenship by Italian descendent and they did allow a double passport to Italian decendend who had for example a US passport. They recently also give the right to vote to Italians living outside Italy.
Paolo

Hi, Im new to the forum so firstly i say Hi to all.

Im not suprised that italians are not having children or getting married. I belive that this is due to the fact of lack of work and security. With nearly 99% of all jobs being short term with employment agencies. House prices are soaring and now they are going to up the taxes. I even heard the other day that there going to introduce a tourist tax in venice which could spread to other important cities in Italy.

If people had more security they would not leave Italy to find work in other countries. I am originally from England and i am quite shocked at the employment situation here in Italy. Italy is part of Europe when it wants to be but sadly has alot to learn in ways in which employment operates.

An example. its common to see a job advertisment looking for a female, 20-30 years old. In England and other parts of europe you cannot advertise for just female as this is discrimination. You also cannot advertise for someone 20-30 years old as this is discrimination.

The same with european citiziens. The whole idea of europe is all EU citiziens are free to live, work and travel in any other european member country. (as stated by the EU Goverment in Brussels) EU citiziens wanting to live in Italy have to apply for a Carte Soggiorno. (Permit to stay)
Why?



Sorry going on a bit here. not usually this negative. Just makes me angry as i have many italian friends that have left italy to look for work in other countries.

What are your thoughts?

Where can I look to find out the requirements for a Italian passport.

Thanks so much for your time!

Kathy Harvey

Hi Simon
Your posting is quite interesting and it goes into 2 interesting subject ( birth rate and work issues ) - Can you maybe post it again on the work section - I would like to answer but here is suppose to be for real estate question and I do not want to go too much off subject
Paolo

Reply to Simon:
Seems like this is happening globally -- as for discrimination in how they advertise ... well that is their business -- why change everything? Real estate taxes (school taxes mostly) have skyrocketed in New York (USA), too -- everyone is moving for one reason or another -- just way too many taxes! Job, that's another story -- just coming out of college and owing thousands of dollars in loans, young adults cannot afford to take low paying positions, which many companies advertise in just that way--low pay. When jobs advertised as low paying cannot be filled...you got it...companies import from another country. And as for applying for a work/live Permit to Stay in Italy despite being part of EU, well it is still Italy, and Italy is their country -- it is still their house so to speak. Many houses make a community, but each house makes its own rules for those who live in it and for others who may wish to visit. Don't mean to be mean here, but all this American politically correctness is becoming stale.

My wife and I live in the heart of New York City and since we take several trips a year to Italy, we are debating on whether to move there permanetly. I change my mind every day it seems. I'd love to hear from any expats and natives who can give me some insight. I am 42 and my wife is 37, and we would be starting a family there if we moved. Thank you.

Raimondo

I think I would go if you can afford to buy a house/villa there. It would be better for your children and as you know, more slower paced -very conducive to a healthy mindset.

Raimondo - before consider moving you might want to consider going there for a month or two if your job allows it. There is also the possibility to live 1/2 there and 1/2 here. I mean if you can afford nowdays the real estate in Mahattan you probably have the financial means to live in both places. In any case I do not think we can give you any real suggestions without knowing your finalcial situation your work skills etc etc.
There are for example a bunch of palces where foreigners work in Rome like FAO / World Food Program / American Embassy / American Academy but for example all the UN Places are in financial crisis nowdays.

Paolo