In a significant policy move, Italy has announced plans to issue nearly half a million new work visas between 2026 and 2028, aiming to address its growing labor shortage and demographic challenges.
According to a Reuters report, the Italian government will open up legal immigration channels for non-EU nationals, offering 497,550 work permits over the next three years. The plan is designed to fill labor gaps in key sectors, support Italy’s economy, and provide a structured, regulated alternative to irregular migration.
Expanding Legal Migration Pathways
Under the plan, Italy will allow 164,850 foreign workers to enter the country legally for employment in 2026 alone. This figure will rise cumulatively to nearly half a million by 2028.
This is considered to be the 2nd major immigration initiative of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Previously, Italy approved over 450,000 work permits to be released between 2023 and 2025.
While the government is all set to open new legal pathways, Prime Minister Meloni has maintained a tough stance against irregular migration, working to limit unauthorized arrivals and restrict the activities of humanitarian rescue organizations in the Mediterranean.
Responding to Demographic Challenges
Italy’s new visa quotas were carefully determined based on labor demands expressed by industry groups, unions, and past application data.
Sectors such as
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Eldercare have been particularly vocal about severe worker shortages
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Demographics are a major driver of this policy shift. In 2024, Italy recorded a natural population decline with deaths outnumbering births by around 281,000. The country’s total population fell by 37,000, reaching 58.93 million.
Experts keep on giving warnings that to maintain its current population and workforce, Italy will need to welcome at least 10 million migrants by 2050. The new visa plan is seen as a step toward preparing for this long-term reality.
Government Perspective
Italian authorities describe the initiative as a balanced approach that provides needed labor while avoiding the risks of unmanaged migration.
“We want to manage migration through legal, safe channels,” an official said. “This is about meeting our economic requirements while protecting our borders.”
What will be the benefits of the Policy?
• IT is going to fill the huge gap of shortages in various sectors such as agriculture, caregiving, and construction.
• Supports economic growth by guaranteeing businesses can hire the workers they require.
• It assists in maintaining population levels and minimizes the impact of an aging workforce.
• It emphasizes safe, regulated migration, minimizing human trafficking and dangerous sea crossings.
• It is expected to promote integration by providing legal status and rights to foreign workers.
For Italy, the plan is indicating an effort to balance economic need, demographic realities, and migration management in a sustainable and humane way.