Italy Pledges 10,500 Work Visas for Pakistani Skilled Workers in New Bilateral Labor Mobility Push
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Published: 2026-02-26T21:00+05:30 (IST) Xavio
In a significant boost to legal migration and bilateral ties, Italy has pledged to issue 10,500 work visas for Pakistani skilled workers over the next three years as part of a new labor mobility initiative. The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Rome between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where the two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation on migration management, human trafficking, and internal security.
This move — part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2025 — aims to open 3,500 employment opportunities annually for Pakistanis in various sectors, including skilled trades, construction, shipbreaking, agriculture, and hospitality. It also includes a visa exemption for Pakistani diplomatic passport holders, further strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Key Highlights of the Italy-Pakistan Labor Mobility Agreement
Visa Quota Breakdown: 10,500 total non-seasonal and seasonal work visas allocated over three years (3,500 per year starting 2026). This is Italy's first dedicated job quota for Pakistan, designed to promote "legal migration" and curb illegal pathways.
Eligible Sectors: While not fully specified, the visas target skilled and unskilled labor in high-demand Italian industries such as shipbreaking, construction, agriculture, food processing, and hospitality. Pakistan's Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPHRD) will coordinate recruitment through accredited agencies.
Diplomatic Visa Exemption: Holders of Pakistani diplomatic passports are now exempt from Italian visa requirements, facilitating easier official travel and cooperation.
Broader Migration Cooperation: The ministers praised joint efforts under FONTEX (Frontex) and INTERPOL to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking. Italy commended Pakistan's "swift and smooth repatriations" of undocumented migrants.
Transition Period: The quota begins immediate implementation, with the first batch expected in spring 2026. A Joint Working Group meeting is scheduled for February 2026 in Islamabad to finalize details.
This agreement builds on the May 2025 MoU, which laid the foundation for structured labor mobility between the two countries. Italy, facing its own labor shortages in agriculture and construction, sees Pakistan's young, skilled workforce (median age 22) as a key solution.
Background & Context
The Rome meeting on February 25, 2026, was part of the inaugural session of the Quadilateral for Migration (Q4M) Dialogue, involving Italy, Pakistan, Greece, and Spain. At the upcoming EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, ministers will acknowledge Pakistan’s cooperation in curbing illegal migration and commit to expanding opportunities for Pakistani workers in the EU.
Italy's decision aligns with broader EU efforts to manage migration by expanding legal channels, reducing irregular flows, and addressing labor gaps. Pakistan, with over 9 million citizens abroad remitting $30+ billion annually, benefits from new formal pathways that protect workers from exploitation.
Implications for Pakistani Workers & Employers
For Pakistani skilled workers:
Opportunities: Access to stable jobs in Italy with EU-standard wages (€1,200–€2,500/month depending on sector), social protections, and potential pathways to longer-term residency.
Requirements: Applicants must meet Italian work visa criteria, including skills certification, health checks, and police clearance. Recruitment will be through OPHRD-approved agencies to avoid fraud.
Challenges: Language barriers (Italian required for many roles), cultural adjustment, and competition from other source countries.
For Italian employers:
Easier hiring of cost-effective skilled labor from Pakistan to fill gaps in aging sectors like agriculture and construction.
Reduced reliance on irregular migrants, aligning with EU migration pacts.
This quota could boost Pakistan-Italy remittances (currently ~€500 million/year) and foster economic ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the first 3,500 visas be issued in 2026?
Applications open immediately; first batch expected in spring 2026 after Joint Working Group meeting in February.
Q: Which sectors are prioritized?
Skilled and unskilled roles in shipbreaking, construction, agriculture, food processing, hospitality, and other labor-shortage areas.
Q: Do Pakistani diplomatic passports need visas for Italy?
No — exemption effective immediately for diplomatic passport holders.
Q: How to apply?
Through accredited Pakistani agencies or Italian consulates; OPHRD will coordinate with MIFI for streamlined processing.
Q: Is this part of a broader EU initiative?
Yes — Q4M Dialogue aims to promote legal migration and combat trafficking; more EU opportunities may follow JHA Council in March 2026.
For the official agreement details, visa application forms, and eligible sectors, visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Work Visas page or Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis Overseas Employment page.
For more on Spain’s seasonal work visa (a similar EU opportunity), read our related guide: Spain Seasonal Work Visa 2026.
Explore our dedicated Italy immigration section for real-time updates, application tips, and bilateral agreement news. Italy’s doors are opening — skilled Pakistanis, seize the opportunity!
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