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Seasonal migrant work in Italy

🇮🇹 Italy’s New 2025 Work Policy: 165,000 Seasonal Migrants Can Now Work Legally While Awaiting Permit

Italy has announced a major shift in its immigration policy, giving seasonal migrant workers the legal right to work while their permits are still being processed. This reform is designed to reduce illegal employment, protect migrant rights, and address growing labour shortages across critical industries.

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New Legal Pathway for Seasonal Workers in Italy

In a significant update, the Italian government has introduced a directive allowing seasonal migrant workers to begin legal employment before their seasonal residence permits are converted into regular work permits. This move comes as Italy prepares to issue over 165,000 work visas in 2025, up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023.

The policy shift aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and enable smoother integration of foreign workers into the Italian labour market, especially in sectors that rely heavily on migrant labour such as agriculture, construction, tourism, and elderly care.

Who Can Work While Waiting for a Permit?

To benefit from this new directive, seasonal migrant workers must meet the following conditions:

1. Proof of Application

Workers must present an official receipt confirming they have applied to convert their seasonal residence permit into a non-seasonal work permit.

2. Unilav Submission

The employer must submit a Unilav form—Italy’s electronic employment notification—declaring the start of the worker’s job.

3. INPS Registration

In the case of domestic work (such as caregiving), the employment relationship must be registered with Italy’s social security authority, INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale). Learn more at: https://www.inps.it

These requirements ensure the worker is integrated into the formal employment system, helping to protect their legal rights and access to benefits.

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A Step Towards Ending Exploitation

Before this change, migrant workers had to wait without any legal right to work during the permit transition period. This exposed many to unregulated jobs, exploitation, and financial instability. The new policy now offers legal protection during this waiting phase, a move welcomed by both migrant advocacy groups and employers.

Italy to Issue 165,000 Work Visas in 2025

To combat ongoing labour shortages, the Italian government will allocate 165,000 work permits for foreign nationals in 2025. Of this total:

  • 93,550 visas will go to seasonal workers in key areas like agriculture and tourism.
  • The remaining will support industries such as construction, elderly care, and health services.

This is a noticeable increase compared to the 89,050 seasonal work visas issued in 2024, reflecting Italy’s growing dependence on migrant workers.

Strong Demand for Foreign Care and Construction Workers

As Italy’s population continues to age, there is rising demand for foreign care workers. In 2025 alone, 10,000 work visas will be dedicated to this sector. Construction and healthcare are also on the priority list due to persistent staff shortages and infrastructure needs.

Italy’s Long-Term Migration Strategy

This change is part of a broader three-year migration plan by the Italian government, which sets annual visa quotas to meet economic and demographic needs. The plan aims to:

  • Streamline the hiring of foreign workers
  • Reduce irregular work
  • Support sustainable immigration policies

By creating legal pathways to work, Italy is building a more inclusive and structured labour system.

What Migrants and Employers Should Know

  • Migrants can now start working legally while their permit application is pending, provided all requirements are fulfilled.
  • Employers must ensure that job declarations and registrations are completed properly to comply with the new regulation.
  • Aspiring workers targeting Italy in 2025 should consider opportunities in seasonal sectors and caregiving, which are among the most in demand.

Final Thoughts

Italy’s latest directive marks a turning point for seasonal migrant workers. By allowing legal employment during the permit processing phase and increasing the 2025 visa quota, the government is taking concrete steps to modernize its immigration policies and meet its labour needs.

For more information about Italy’s visa programs and migration updates, visit the official Ministry of Interior website:
https://www.interno.gov.it

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