Italy has announced that it will issue nearly 500,000 work visas to non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028. The goal is to deal with labour shortages and a falling birthrate that are affecting the country’s economy.
The new plan will begin with 164,850 work permits in 2026. These permits will focus on jobs in sectors like agriculture, construction, tourism, and domestic services. The Italian government says it wants to encourage legal migration to support the country’s workforce needs.
Indian workers and other skilled professionals are expected to benefit, as Italy will give preference to both skilled and seasonal labour. The visa program is seen as a way to fill key roles that are currently difficult to staff due to the country’s ageing population.
At the same time, Italy has made it clear that it will continue to take tough steps against illegal immigration. While more legal options are being made available, irregular entry into the country will remain strictly controlled.
This visa expansion shows Italy’s effort to balance workforce demands with immigration control. The government hopes that bringing in more legal foreign workers will help support the economy while reducing pressure on public services.
Officials say the move will not only support local industries but also help maintain Italy’s social and economic stability in the coming years. The country is also working with other nations to ensure proper worker selection and fair job placement under this new plan.
