The numbers

The consequences on welfare

A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that from 2007 to 2009 migrant households in almost every European country have paid a larger amount of taxes and duties compared to what they received in exchange in terms of welfare services and subsidies. This is mainly due to demographic reasons: most migrants are of employable age and are therefore not a particular burden on the host governments’ economies (for example, on the health system and the pension system). In Italy, according to the social security institute (INPS), migrants pay 8 billion euros in social security contributions every year and only receive 3 billion back in terms of retirement funds and other social benefits, with a net balance of approximately 5 billion euros.

The financial contribution of migrants

The net tax contribution of migrant households is a positive value in many European countries. The net tax contribution is calculated subtracting the cost of received services and subsidies from the monetary amount of taxes and charges paid. Data in euros, for the period between 2007 and 2009.

welfare chart

Source: Ocse