Italy Plans Nearly 500,000 Work Visas for Non-EU Nationals by 2028

Italy plans to issue nearly 500,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals between 2026 and 2028 to address severe labor shortages caused by an aging population and low birth rates. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has already approved over 450,000 permits for migrants between 2023 and 2025 and emphasizes expanding legal immigration channels while maintaining a tough stance on illegal migration. The quotas include permits for non-seasonal workers in construction, healthcare, and skilled trades, seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism, as well as domestic helpers and caregivers, reflecting business demands and past permit applications. The policy aims to stabilize labor markets critical to sectors like construction, agriculture, healthcare, and technology, while also curbing irregular migration through controlled openness and partnerships with origin countries. Despite facilitating legal migration, the government is accelerating deportations and restricting humanitarian organizations rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. Experts warn that to maintain stable population levels by 2050, Italy will need to accept at least 10 million immigrants.