Italy has announced it will issue 500,000 work visas for non-European countries between 2026 and 2028. According to Reuters, this plan aims to address Italy’s labour shortage and provide legal immigration pathways.
In 2026, 164,850 work permits will be granted. By 2028, the total will reach 497,550 work visas. This is Italy’s second major immigration plan under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following the decision to issue over 450,000 visas from 2023 to 2025.
The Italian government is focusing on legal work visas while enforcing strict measures against illegal immigration. Policies include stopping migrants via the Mediterranean Sea, limiting charity operations, and speeding up the deportation of illegal migrants.
Italy faces a shortage of workers in agriculture, industry, and other sectors. According to sources in 2024, deaths exceeded births by 281,000, reducing the population by 37,000 to 58.93 million. Research body Osservatorio Conti Pubblici reports that Italy will need at least 10 million migrants by 2050 to stabilise population levels.
Agriculture lobby group Coldiretti supported the visa plan, stating it will help ensure worker availability and food production. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said Italy aims to open legal immigration channels to support key economic sectors.
