Italy Prepares Largest Labour Migration Expansion: 500,000 Work Permits Under New ‘Decreto Flussi’ for 2026-2028
- Xavi
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
ROME — July 8, 2026 — Italy is preparing the largest expansion of legal labour migration in its recent history. A draft "Decreto Flussi" seen by La Sicilia and confirmed by labour-ministry sources on 7 July sets overall quotas at 500,000 non-EU workers for the three-year cycle 2026-2028—164,850 next year, 165,850 in 2027 and 166,850 in 2028.
The decree is expected to reach the Council of Ministers on 8 July and should enter into force before the autumn hiring season.
Key Quota Breakdown: Who Can Apply?
The quotas cover a broad mix of categories that matter to corporate mobility managers:
Category | Annual Places |
Non-seasonal employees & self-employed professionals | 76,850 |
Seasonal agriculture & tourism | ~88,000 |
Residential caregivers, household assistants, truck drivers, and highly skilled technology professionals | Dedicated sub-caps |
New: "Preferential Quotas" for Partner Countries
A key novelty is the creation of "preferential quotas" for nationals of countries that run joint information campaigns with Italy to discourage irregular migration. Firms recruiting from such partner states will jump the queue once bilateral media campaigns are verified.
For HR Teams: This means companies hiring from partner countries with active anti-irregular-migration campaigns will benefit from faster processing and priority access to quotas.
Why This Decree Is Different
Unlike past decrees, the 2026-2028 plan links inflows to real labour-market demand. The National Institute for Public Policy Analysis (INAPP) estimates Italy will face a shortfall of 800,000 workers by 2028 in logistics, hospitality, construction and elder care.
Key Operational Changes for Employers
Pre-filing Allowed: Employers will be able to pre-file applications as soon as the decree is gazetted.
No More "Click-Day" Race: The infamous scramble for limited slots is replaced by rolling windows and digital signatures via SPID.
Multi-Year Nulla Osta: Seasonal workers who have completed one legal season in the previous five years can secure permits valid for up to three consecutive seasons – reducing churn and onboarding costs.
Faster Processing Promised
After a sluggish 7.8% conversion rate under the 2024 quota, authorities promise faster processing:
The Interior Ministry will deploy extra staff in 40 one-stop immigration desks.
A new e-tracking portal will alert HR teams when fingerprints and residence cards are ready.
Domestic Worker Caps Rise
Payroll departments should note that domestic-worker caps rise to 14,200 by 2028, offering relief for expatriates bringing dependants.
Political Context and Criticisms
Politically, the Meloni government is positioning the decree as proof it can control migration while meeting employer needs. Critics in trade unions argue that without reform of the residence-permit backlog, the headline numbers are meaningless.
Still, if even half the quota is realised, Italy will authorise almost one million foreign hires over six years—reshaping the talent pool for multinationals with Italian operations.
Related Resources
Seasonal Work Visa Overview – What you need to know about seasonal work visas worldwide:visasupdate.com/seasonal-work-visa
Italy Seasonal Work Visa 2026: Ultimate Guide – Complete Decreto Flussi breakdown, requirements, salaries: visasupdate.com/post/italy-seasonal-work-visa-2026-ultimate-guide-decreto-flussi-requirements-salaries
For the latest Italy work visa updates, Decreto Flussi news, and 2026 European immigration developments, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/italy
About the Author: Xavi is an immigration policy analyst and content lead at VisasUpdate.com, covering global migration trends, visa regulations, and employment-based immigration pathways
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