Italy, one of the most popular destinations for both travellers and foreign workers, has introduced a major policy change to simplify employment for migrants, especially seasonal workers.
The government has introduced a new directive that allows seasonal migrant workers to continue working legally while their work permits are being processed. This proactive move aims to safeguard workers’ rights, prevent income loss, and curb illegal employment.
By easing these restrictions, Italy hopes to prevent income loss, reduce illegal employment, and strengthen key sectors like agriculture, construction, and elderly care, which depend heavily on migrant labour.
Seasonal Workers Can Now Start Jobs Before Permit Approval
Under the updated rules, Italy now allows seasonal workers to start working legally even before officially converting their seasonal residence permit to a regular work permit, as long as they meet certain key conditions.
1. Proof of Application: Workers must present a receipt confirming they have submitted the application for the conversion of their seasonal residence permit to a non-seasonal work permit.
2. Electronic Job Filing: Candidates need to electronically submit the Unilav form for regular employment.
3. Social Security Registration: For domestic workers, the employment relationship must be registered with Italy’s social security institution (INPS).
The authorities established these conditions to officially register workers in Italy’s employment system and to safeguard their work rights in the country.
Addressing Exploitation and Irregular Work
Previously, migrant workers had to wait without legal work rights during the permit conversion process, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, financial hardship, and unregulated jobs. This new directive eliminates that risk by granting provisional work rights during the waiting period.
The measure is part of Italy’s broader strategy to create a more humane and practical immigration policy while meeting its economic needs.
Italy to Grant Over 165,000 Work Visas in 2025
To further address its labour shortage, Italy plans to increase the number of work visas issued in 2025 to 165,000, a significant rise from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023.
The Italian government will allocate around 93,550 of these visas specifically to seasonal workers, who play a critical role in sectors like agriculture and tourism. In comparison, the 2024 quota for seasonal workers stands at 89,050.
High Demand for Construction and Care Workers
The Italian government is also prioritising key sectors facing acute labour shortages. In 2025, Italy will issue 10,000 work visas to foreign care workers, a group in high demand due to the country’s ageing population.
Construction and healthcare sectors are among the top beneficiaries of this visa expansion, offering new opportunities for migrant workers worldwide.
Three-Year Migration Plan to Tackle Labour Needs
This expansion is part of Italy’s three-year migration plan, which sets annual visa quotas for foreign workers across multiple sectors. The plan ensures a steady inflow of skilled and seasonal labour to meet domestic demand, reduce the informal job market, and create a more structured immigration framework.
What This Means for Migrant Workers
- Migrant workers applying for a seasonal to regular work permit conversion can now work legally during the waiting period.
- Employers must file all documentation correctly to comply with the new rules.
- Prospective migrant workers looking to move to Italy in 2025 may benefit from expanded visa opportunities in high-demand sectors.
Conclusion
Italy’s new directive is a game-changer for seasonal migrant workers, granting them the right to work legally even before their permit is formally approved. Coupled with the record number of work visas planned for 2025, Italy is taking significant steps to modernise its labour and immigration policies.
Source – https://travelobiz.com/italy-165000-work-visas-seasonal-workers-rights-2025/