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Caserta, Italy — In a significant step toward addressing exploitation and poor living conditions among migrant farm laborers, Italy is unlocking European Union funds to develop alternative housing solutions in the southern region of Campania.
The Farm Laborers Union (FLAI-CGIL) and the General Confederation of Italian Labour (CGIL) in Caserta announced that EU-backed funds from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) will soon be used for municipal projects aimed at dismantling illegal and unsafe settlements — often referred to as “ghettos” — where many migrant workers currently live.
These efforts are designed to combat illegal labor practices by replacing makeshift housing with structured, dignified accommodations. Castel Volturno, a municipality near Naples in Caserta province, has emerged as a focal point. It is the only local authority in the area to have won a public tender for funds under this initiative, despite other municipalities having applied.
“Taking action on the housing emergency by getting rid of ghettos and makeshift living quarters will have a positive effect against exploitation and the denial of rights for field laborers,” said Tammaro della Corte, Secretary General of FLAI CGIL Caserta. He emphasized that laborers are a critical part of the food production chain, yet remain highly vulnerable due to their living and working conditions.
The announcement follows a meeting of Italy’s National Committee for the Prevention and Fight against Undeclared Work, which focused on fostering legal employment for foreign workers in agriculture. The goal is to replace illegal settlements with regulated housing and promote inclusive labor policies.
Sonia Oliviero, Secretary General of CGIL Caserta, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts: “Now more than ever, the municipality of Castel Volturno must take decisive steps to utilize these funds efficiently. We will be collaborating with the prefect’s office to involve all representative entities in the region.”
The funds are part of a broader EU recovery strategy to support member states in rebuilding their economies post-COVID, with a strong focus on equity, legality, and human dignity.
Source: InfoMigrants.net