In a major move to tackle persistent labour shortages and a rapidly aging population, the Italian government has approved a bold plan to issue nearly 500,000 work permits to non-European Union (EU) nationals over the next three years.
The landmark visa quota approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet will allow 497,550 foreign workers into Italy between 2026 and 2028, marking one of the largest legal migration initiatives in the country’s recent history.
According to the Ministry of Labour, the permits will be distributed in phases:
164,850 in 2026
The rest allocated gradually through 2027 and 2028
This ambitious plan targets workforce shortages in critical industries, including:
Agriculture
Construction
Healthcare
Tourism and hospitality
Manufacturing
Italy had implemented a similar program between 2023 and 2025, during which over 450,000 permits were issued.
But with the country facing a worsening demographic crisis, the new quota raises the bar even higher.
In 2024, Italy recorded a population decline of 37,000, as births fell short of deaths by 281,000.
Projections warn that Italy will need at least 10 million migrant workers by 2050 to maintain its economic stability and meet labour demands.
Government officials said the new quota was crafted based on actual labour market needs and historical trends in work visa applications.
The process has been streamlined, with simplified digital documentation, faster approvals, and improved access to:
Healthcare
Social security
Pathways to permanent residency
Foreigners who receive work permits under this program will also be allowed to convert seasonal or temporary permits into long-term residence status, offering greater security for migrant families.
Italy’s expanded visa initiative signals a strategic pivot toward managed migration, blending humanitarian needs with economic necessity.
As European nations grapple with aging populations and labour shortages, Italy’s model may pave the way for
similar programs across the continent.