Migrants’ Legal Status and Exploitation in Agricultural Labor Markets: Micro Evidence from Southern Italy

This study examines how the type and stability of migrants’ residence permits affect labor exploitation in Southern Italy’s agricultural sector. Using O.S.A.Re project data and econometric analysis, it shows that migrants with unstable permits face higher risks of exploitation and greater perceived vulnerability. A key innovation is the use of subjective exploitation measures, highlighting workers’ lived experiences. Findings stress the importance of expanding access to stable permits, implement ing localized interventions, and reinforcing institutional protections to promote fair labor conditions and social inclusion. Structural reforms are deemed essential for addressing both perceived and actual inequalities in migrant labor conditions.