"Healthcare Needs of Chinese Migrant Workers in Italy: A Survey Report on Chinese Owned Workshops in Veneto", CPI Discussion Paper 48, China Policy Institute (CPI), University of Nottingham, online: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/china-policy-institute/publications/2009.

Unlike other ethnic groups in Italy, few Chinese migrant workers have used local healthcare services. This paper attempts to shed light on the gaps between the provision of local healthcare services and the needs of Chinese workers. In particular, it is concerned with the following questions: How difficult is it for them to access local healthcare services? What factors constrain them from using these services? What lessons can be learnt for the local health authority in meeting the needs of Chinese migrant workers. The above questions were addressed in summer 2006 by an empirical survey in Veneto in the frame and thanks to the funding of a Ateneo’s research project of the University of Padova (the project was designed and directed by Valter Zanin). The methodology of the survey included participatory observation in 28 workshops, questionnaire survey of Chinese workers, and interviews with Chinese owners, doctors, community leaders, and Chinese workers. Several findings have emerged from this survey. Firstly, Chinese migrants are not homogenous in terms of needs and their access to local healthcare services. Special attention should be paid to migrant workers and undocumented workers in particular who have largely been excluded from the existing system. Secondly, there are many constraints faced by Chinese workers including language skills, working pattern, job mobility and attitude of Chinese owners, etc. In particular, this paper draws attention to the phenomenon of ‘high wall of Chinese workshops’, a ‘total institution’ in which all Chinese workers are confined within a limited space for extremely long working hours at the cost of their health and safety. Thirdly, the difficulties facing Chinese workers have also raised questions about the principles and arrangements of the local healthcare system for foreign workers, which has failed to recognize the particular healthcare needs of Chinese workers. This has led to the development of underground Chinese clinics which present high risks to the health and safety of migrant. Finally, healthcare needs of Chinese workers are not merely issues of local healthcare services, but reflect the uneven process of integration and interaction between Chinese and Italian communities. This calls for creating a new communication channel and social support network. Several policy recommendations are proposed.