Italy to Recruit 20,000–30,000 Thai Workers Annually Under New Agriculture & Healthcare Labour Deal – Following Pakistan Partnership
- Xavi
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Bangkok / Rome, 21 June 2026 — Italy has extended a significant labour offer to Thailand, proposing to recruit 20,000 to 30,000 Thai workers per year to address critical shortages in farming, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. This move comes shortly after Italy’s successful labour agreement with Pakistan, signalling a strategic push to diversify its foreign workforce from Asia.
The announcement was made by Thailand’s Labour Ministry after Italian Ambassador conveyed the proposal to Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Both sides are now discussing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to regulate recruitment, worker rights, and working conditions.
Italy’s Growing Demand for Asian Workers in 2026
Italy faces one of Europe’s most severe labour shortages due to an ageing population and low birth rates. The country plans to import around 500,000 non-EU workers in the coming years. After launching a major work visa programme with Pakistan earlier this year, Italy is now turning to Thailand as another key partner.
Target Sectors for Thai Workers
Italy specifically needs Thai talent in three high-demand areas:
Agriculture & Farming: Harvesting olives, grapes, fruits, vegetables, and working in greenhouses. Thai workers are appreciated for their dependability and expertise in labor-intensive agriculture.
Healthcare & Elderly Care: Caregivers, nursing assistants, and support staff for Italy’s rapidly ageing population.
Hospitality & Services: Hotel staff, restaurant workers, cleaners, and tourism-related roles, especially in popular regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, and coastal areas.
Benefits for Thai Workers
Legal work permits with proper contracts and social protections
Competitive wages (often significantly higher than in Thailand)
Opportunity to gain European work experience and savings
Possibility for long-term routes under EU employment regulations
Government-to-government agreement expected to reduce exploitation risks
Next Steps: Thailand-Italy Labour MoU
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is expected to move quickly toward signing a bilateral agreement. Such MoUs typically cover:
Transparent recruitment process
Minimum wage standards
Working conditions and safety
Return and reintegration support
Prevention of illegal brokerage fees
Comparison with Italy-Pakistan Work Visa Programme
Italy’s approach with Thailand mirrors the successful framework established with Pakistan. Both initiatives focus on organised, legal migration to fill specific labour gaps while protecting worker rights. Pakistani workers have already started benefiting from the Italy-Pakistan deal in similar sectors.
Practical Advice for Interested Thai Workers
Wait for Official Channels — Do not pay any agents until the government announces authorised recruitment.
Build Relevant Skills — Experience in agriculture, caregiving, or hospitality will increase your chances.
Prepare Documents — Valid passport, work history, health certificate, and police clearance will be required.
Learn Basic Italian — Even simple phrases improve employability and daily life.
Monitor Updates — Follow Thailand’s Labour Ministry and the Italian Embassy in Bangkok.
For the latest Italy work visa updates, Thailand-Italy labour agreements, and 2026 immigration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/italy or visasupdate.com/news
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This potential Thailand-Italy labour deal represents a major opportunity for Thai workers seeking better-paying jobs in Europe. Official recruitment channels are expected to open soon after the MoU is signed. Stay updated through government sources and avoid unofficial agents to ensure a safe and legal process.
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