Brazilian immigrant Elisangela Batista Da Silva, president of the Bem Association in Milan, issued a warning – in a Facebook post – about the growing number of compatriots arriving in Italy without planning and in vulnerable situations. According to her, many families are being misled by false information shared by influencers.
Challenges for immigrants
According to Elisangela, it is common for Brazilians to arrive in the country without financial means, without knowing anyone and with small children. “Many believe that all they need to do is enroll their children in school to receive assistance from the government and Caritas, and that finding housing is easy. This is a lie!” she emphasizes.
She reports a recent case of a Brazilian mother who enrolled her son in school without adequate resources. The institution realized that the child did not have appropriate winter clothing and did not bring a snack. The social worker was called and informed the police, who demanded that she present a ticket back to Brazil.
Increase in social interventions
Elisangela warns that the number of Brazilian children under the care of social workers has increased by 47%. “Do you want to take a risk? Do it, but without children,” she emphasizes.
She also highlights that the Association Well faces difficulties in meeting the growing demand for food and medicine. “Italy is no longer the same as it was years ago,” he says.
Changes to assistance rules
Other changes directly affect immigrants, such as restrictions on medical care for those without employment contracts. For those who use controlled medications, Elisangela recommends bringing a six-month supply of medication and a translated medical card.
For those who go to Italy to obtain citizenship, the situation has also become more complicated. “It is necessary to maintain yourself, as they are not accepting receipts of attestation permit to work”, he explains.
Difficulties with housing and the health system
Another point is the real estate market, with many offers in remote locations and without public transportation. In addition, the Soggiorno permission for cure medicine, essential to ensure that foreigners undergoing medical treatment remain legally in Italy, has changed: “The foreigner must bear all medical expenses, as he is not entitled to the National Health Service”.
planning is essential
Elisangela’s final warning is clear: “Nobody wants to destroy anyone’s dream, but a dream without planning can turn into a nightmare.”
