SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SRI LANKAN MIGRATION TO ITALY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the social consequences of Sri Lankan migration to Italy. The study is based on a primary survey conducted in a district where most of the Sri Lankan migrants to Italy are observed. The reference period of migration for the study was from 1985 to 2014. The total number of migrants observed from 150 households during this period were 320 persons. This study showed that the migrants and their families have improved their economic status because of the emigration to Italy but the social consequences have been very undesirable. The study found that a significant proportion of Sri Lankans had emigrated through illegal means. The family bond between the migrants and their immediate families has been very weak. Although migration may assist in achieving financial stability, this study showed that the absence of a parent can be detrimental to a child‟s social and psychological development. This study also found that migration of their adult children, especially who are married and leave their immediate families behind has a significant impact on the elderly parents, especially in relation to their physical and mental well-being.