Italy studies possibility of allocating quota of permanent work visas for Moroccans

The Italian government is studying the possibility of allocating to Moroccans an annual quota of 1,000 to 2,000 permanent work visas, Italian Ambassador Guido Martini, announced.

The ambassador explained in an interview with MAP that the measure is part of efforts to consolidate Moroccan-Italian cooperation relations and reflects Italy's satisfaction with the professional and human qualities of Moroccans living in Italy.

In addition to the 130,000 Moroccan legal residents in Italy, about 17,000 additional people annually will be allowed to join their relatives living in Italy in accordance with a law passed by the Italian parliament, he added. In 1999, 23,000 illegal residents in Italy had their situation regularized.

He went on, quoting statements made by the Italian interior minister who visited Morocco in February and August 1998, that Moroccans, who make the largest foreign community in Italy, are well integrated and respected.

He added that religious facilities are available for muslims to perform their prayers, even on the work site and Rome has the biggest mosque in Europe.

Regarding the upsurge of racist attitudes in Italy, the ambassador said the government has decided that multi-cultural courses should be taught to pupils in order to change mentalities.

At the economic level, he said the two countries now enjoy, more than ever, dynamic relations and are currently discussing practical measures for swapping Moroccan debts owed to Italy into investments.

Italy is Morocco's 3rd trade partner, behind France and Spain. In 1998, Moroccan imports from Italy totalled $558 mln, accounting for 6.3% of Morocco's total imports while exports reached $235 mln, 5.2% of Moroccan exports.