On June 30, 2025, the Italian government has announced plans to issue nearly 500,000 new work visas to non-EU nationals over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028, as part of a broader strategy to address labor shortages and expand legal migration pathways.
According to a statement released by the Italian cabinet, 164,850 work permits will be allocated in 2026, with the total number of new entries expected to reach 497,550 by the end of 2028.
This marks the second major expansion of Italy’s legal immigration framework under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration. The current government had previously authorized more than 450,000 work permits for non-EU nationals between 2023 and 2025.
The move reflects Italy’s ongoing efforts to balance labor market needs with migration policy, particularly in sectors facing acute workforce shortages such as agriculture, construction and elder care.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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