In a major move to address labor shortages, the Italian government has announced plans to issue nearly half a million work permits to non-European Union (non-EU) nationals over the next three years.
The decision, published in the official government gazette, reveals Italy’s commitment to strengthening its workforce by welcoming skilled and unskilled workers from outside the EU, particularly for jobs in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, transport, and healthcare.
📌 Key Highlights:
🇮🇹 Total Work Visas: 452,000 work visas to be issued from 2026 to 2028
📅 2026 Quota: 164,850 non-EU workers
🏗️ Targeted Sectors: Agriculture, transport, tourism, caregiving, and construction
🎯 Objective: To fill labor shortages and support economic growth
🔎 Why Is Italy Doing This?
Like many European countries, Italy is facing a serious labor shortage, especially in sectors with physically demanding roles. An ageing population and declining birth rate have made it difficult to meet labor market demands with domestic workers.
The new decree, signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to streamline legal immigration and reduce dependency on irregular labor. The approach is seen as a proactive solution to both boost the economy and curb illegal migration routes.
📊 Breakdown of Annual Non-EU Work Visa Allocations:
2026 – 164,850 permits
2027 – (projected continuation of similar numbers)
2028 – (estimated to reach total of 452,000 visas over 3 years)
Visas will be issued under both seasonal and non-seasonal work categories. Employers are expected to apply on behalf of foreign nationals.
🌍 What This Means for Global Job Seekers
This policy shift opens doors for foreign workers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America who are looking for stable job opportunities in Europe. With many positions available in entry-level and skilled trades, Italy is fast becoming a top destination for legal employment migration.
