Italy has introduced important legislative changes concerning the entry and integration of foreign workers. The updates, which include a new approved decree-law and a long-term migration plan aimed at streamlining administrative procedures, address the labour market demands and enhance protection for vulnerable individuals.
Key Legislative Changes
On September 4th, 2025, the Council Ministers approved the Decree Law on the Entry of Foreign Workers and Migration Management, introducing key changes on the timing of work permit issuance. Under the new framework, the application processing timeline begins only after the request is matched to an available quota, rather than the date of submission. The change is aimed at reducing delays to become more efficient in processing for employers and applicants.
Importantly, the decree strengthens verification procedures for employers. These checks now extend beyond standard employment contracts to include roles in research, volunteering and intra-company transfers. Additionally, employers are limited to a maximum of three work permit applications per year, including seasonal employment requests.
Protection for Vulnerable Workers
Among the changes to the decree is the extended protection for individuals in vulnerable situations, victims of domestic violence and labour exploitation will now be eligible for a residence permit valid for 12 months, which has been increased from the previous 6 months duration. Italy’s inclusion allowance will also be available for these individuals for added social support.
Foreign workers will also no longer be subjected to entry quotas for those in the care and social sector. However, during the first 12 months of employment, any change of employer must be authorised by the labour inspectorate; the change is designed to safeguard both workers and the individuals receiving care.
Migration Plan: Decreto Flussi 2026-2028
The Decreto Flussi for 2026-2028, which has also complemented the decree-law, approved by the Council of Ministers on 30th June 2025, has a strategic plan that outlines quotas for nearly half a million legal entries for employment purposes over 3 years: 164,850 in 2026, 165,850 in 2027 and 166,850 in 2028.
These quotas were defined following consultations with regional governments and sector-specific stakeholders, driven by data from the labour market provided by Unioncamere’s Excelsior system. Although demographic projections suggest that the volume of entries may fall short of Italy’s long-term labour needs, in order to counterbalance the decline in Italy’s working age population, an increase in the number of foreign workers may be required.
Improvements and New Pathways
The Italian government is also developing new entry channels for foreign workers who have completed professional and civil linguistic training abroad. Projects have already been launched in multiple countries, which involve more than 6,000 workers. Professionals who are in high demand are being considered by a new fast-track entry route alongside the existing EU Blue Card.
Efforts are also underway to drop the so-called “click-days” (when quotas open and fill up with minutes), which have historically created bottlenecks in the application process. The goal is to set up a more flexible and responsive migration system that better serves both employers and foreign workers.
Leap29 Perspective
Simon Duff, Director at Leap29
“Italy’s new measures on foreign worker entry feel like a long-overdue step toward a more balanced and humane migration system. It’s encouraging to see real efforts to cut red tape, protect vulnerable workers, and match immigration policy with labour market needs. But what stands out most is the shift in tone—less about control, more about collaboration. For employers, it’s a chance to plan with more clarity. For workers, it’s a sign that their contributions are being recognised and respected. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress—and that matters”
How Leap29 Can Help
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