In Italy's southern regions of Basilicata and Puglia, policies have changed but the living conditions of migrants seasonal workers in the agricultural fields remain dire, according to a recent report by the NGO Medu.
Though advances have been made in recent years to overcome widespread illegality and worker exploitation, in Basilicata and Puglia ''the living conditions and working conditions of foreign laborers remain critical'', according to the Medici per i Diritti Umani (Doctors for Human Rights, or MEDU). In its most recent report, "Terraingiusta", MEDU discussed the latest period of healthcare and legal assistance provided by its Terragiusta project, which it has been implementing for the past four years in the two regions in southern Italy.
'Gangmasters' found to be widespread practice
MEDU reports that one year after Italy passed a law against the use of 'gang-masters', or 'labor bosses', in Basilicata: "this practice continues to be widespread: almost all of the workers met with use this system to find work, organize the working day and to get to work.'' Despite the fact that reservation lists were set up in 2014 for workers at regional unemployment offices, ''none of MEDU's patients had been hired through these lists. Per-crate payment and 'grey market labor' are still the most widespread forms of employment''. Lodging conditions continue to be dire, with ''about 700 people in precarious settlements that suffer from disastrous lack of hygienic conditions.'' Signing up for healthcare assistance and the renewal of working papers ''is hindered by not having the right to sign up at the registry office, since they do not have an actual place of residence''.
Housing and healthcare situation dire in Puglia
In the Capitanata area of Puglia, MEDU reports that ''the situation sees even worse'' than that in Basilicata. After the eviction from the Rignano Garganico's 'Gran Ghetto', ''almost 1,500 migrants went to the disused landing strip of the former military airport in Borgo Mezzanone" and built a shantytown far from urban centers and public services, with makeshift materials that pose a health and safety risk. The NGO noted that there is no healthcare assistance there since the inhabitants are unaware of the services available and that it is difficult to access the services if the migrants are undocumented or their documents have expired. MEDU asked for ''greater efforts'' to strengthen the reservation list for workers and provide incentives for farms and training activities and information on workplace safety and health risks to the workers. On the issue of housing, the NGO asked that small but integrated facilities be built and that more clinics for migrants be made available.