One client out of four is foreign

In the heart of Milan’s Chinatown, in via Paolo Lomazzo, 25, surrounded by clothing, shoes and accessories stores, there is a new multilingual Post Office. Customers queue up to file for permanent residency, transfer money to China or to send powdered milk or clothing, as 27-year-old from Alexandria, Yanyan Wu highlights. Wu studied Economics and Marketing in Genoa and, alongside her colleague Yanwen, she regularly welcomes Chinese customers. “Many come back asking for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone invites me to a wedding one day.” Those who visit the Post Office most likely live in the area, in the predominantly Chinese Sarpi neighbourhood.

The multiethnic Lomazzo Post Office, the first to open in Lombardy in July, 2015, is a point of reference for the Chinese inhabitants of Milan. It falls under a project to promote the integration of Chinese immigrants. Manager Giuseppe Consoli underlines that “there are approximately 400 operations per day. We have an average of 100 foreign clients, most of which are Chinese. We are doing our best to manage a complex situation. People can count on our employees whether they are Italian or foreign.”

“I did not find it difficult,” says Lina Hu, who has just recently paid the citizenship fee with the help of Yanyan. Lina was born in Milan and has recently turned 18 and works in a nearby bar. “I like it here; my whole family uses this Post Office.” It doesn’t just reach out to the Chinese community. Ivan, 20-year-old originally from Sri Lanka, states, “it is my first time here. I have to activate a PosteMobile SIM card whose rates are the most affordable. My mother suggested that I come here.”