ROME – The ‘brain drain’ phenomenon continues to plight Italy with 100,000 Italians leaving the country each year to seek better paid opportunities abroad, according to the INPS state Social Security agency.

 INPS, the national entity for the Italian public retirement system, has estimated that since 2006 the Italian presence abroad has doubled.

 Of the 100,000 who left Italy this year 45 percent were between the ages of 18-34 and 23 percent between 35 and 45. On the other hand, the number of pensioners moving abroad is decreasing. 

 These numbers threaten the balance between workers and pensioners and so Undersecretary of Labour, Claudio Durigon, has not yet ruled out and increase in retirement age. 

 Gabriele Fava, president of I.N.P.S. is looking promoting the entry of qualified non-EU labour to meet the demands of business.

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