Italy has announced a major legal employment opportunity for Pakistani workers, opening 10,500 jobs over the next three years under a government-approved quota system. The decision is being welcomed as a breakthrough in regulated migration, giving Pakistanis a safe, legal, and transparent route to Europe at a time when irregular migration has become a serious concern.
As per Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the quota will permit 3,500 Pakistani workers every year to travel to Italy under both seasonal and non-seasonal work categories starting in 2026.
Italy–Pakistan Job Quota: Key Highlights
• Total Jobs: 10,500 (spread over three years)
• Annual Quota: 3,500 Pakistani workers
• Seasonal Jobs: 1,500 per year
• Non-Seasonal Jobs: 2,000 per year
• Start Year: 2026
• Migration Type: Fully legal and state-backed
Italy has become one of the first European countries to formally introduce a quota-based labor pathway specifically for Pakistani workers, making this agreement particularly significant.
Why This Decision Is Important for Pakistan
Pakistan has experienced record levels of outward migration in recent years due to high inflation, limited job opportunities, rising living costs, and low wages. Official figures show that nearly 2.9 million Pakistanis migrated abroad over the last three years, with more than one million leaving in a single fiscal year alone.
Read more: Punjab govt to send skilled workforce abroad for overseas jobs
At the same time, illegal migration routes to Europe increased sharply, exposing many Pakistanis to human smugglers, unsafe sea journeys, detention, deportation, and even loss of life.
A Legal and Safer Alternative to Irregular Migration
Officials keep on saying that this Italy quota offers a structured and secure alternative to dangerous routes. Workers will receive official job-linked visas, legal protection, and access to labor rights in Italy, significantly reducing the risks associated with undocumented migration.
Job Sectors Open for Pakistani Workers
Italy’s quota focuses on sectors facing labor shortages and includes skilled and semi-skilled roles, such as:
• Agriculture and seasonal farm work
• Construction and related trades
• Manufacturing and industrial labor
• Hospitality, food services, and logistics
These roles are well-suited for Pakistanis with practical skills and vocational experience.
Benefits will be enjoyed by the provinces
Punjab, Pakistan’s largest source of overseas labor, is anticipated to get most of the benefits. Official records are displaying that over 7.2 million emigrants since 1981 have come from Punjab, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
What’s Next in 2026?
The Pakistan–Italy Joint Working Group is scheduled to meet in February 2026 in Islamabad, where discussions will emphasize upon
- Implementation
- Worker protection
- Skills matching
- The possible expansion of the quota
Officials believe that this agreement could pave the way for similar labor deals with other European countries.