Sicilians Abroad: A Metropolis Beyond Borders

 The city of Sicilians abroad, greater than Palermo and nearly as significant as Turin, constitutes a sprawling metropolis spread across the globe. According to the 2023 Report on Italians Abroad by the Migrantes Foundation, a pastoral body of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Sicilians living abroad number 815,000. This data, representing 13.7% of the total Italians residing abroad (around 5.9 million), positions Sicily as the third-largest contributor to expatriates after Lombardy and Veneto.

Sicily's Impact on Migration:
In terms of both emigration and return migration, Sicily ranks third nationally, highlighting a shift from the traditional dominance of Northern regions. The report emphasizes the growing relative increase in the repatriation rate in Southern regions. Notably, Campania has been the Southern region attracting the most returnees, followed closely by Puglia and Sicily.

Agrigento Leads in Emigrants:
Surprisingly, the province with the highest number of registered residents in the Aire (Registry of Italians Resident Abroad) in Sicily is Agrigento, surpassing more populous provinces like Palermo and Catania. This stands in contrast to the national trend, where the number of Italians "emigrating" decreased by 2.1% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Depopulation in Sicilian Cities:
Certain Sicilian cities, such as Riesi, Barrafranca, Ravanusa, Palma di Montechiaro, Leonforte, Licata, and Grammichele, are experiencing depopulation, representing an ongoing exodus from the more overlooked areas of Sicily. Riesi, with 71.9% of its 10,532 residents registered abroad, leads the unfortunate list of towns between 10,000 and 100,000 inhabitants.

Significance of Aire Registration:
The Aire registration data sheds light on the migratory patterns of Italians, offering insights into their desire for advancement and growth. The report indicates that migration is not merely an escape from economic and occupational fragility but a quest for prosperity and development.

Sicily's International Presence:
While Sicily ranks third in the national podium of regions contributing to expatriates, it holds a significant position in the international context. The report notes that of the nearly 16,000 Lombards and around 10,000 Venetians living abroad, many are part of a secondary migratory path, first moving from the South to the North of Italy and then venturing beyond the national borders.

Italian Communities Worldwide:
Italian communities are notably present in Argentina, Germany, and Switzerland, showcasing the widespread global footprint of Italians.

Mobility as a Desire for Growth:
The report emphasizes that mobility is not just about escaping economic challenges but is rooted in the desire for growth and resurgence. This aspiration is evident both in medium to large metropolitan areas and in medium to small cities, indicating a universal need for broader spaces in an era characterized by mobility and fluid identity.