In 2025, Italy is implementing significant changes to its labour immigration policies, aiming to address workforce shortages while tightening visa regulations. These reforms, part of the broader “Decreto Flussi” framework, are crucial for employers, foreign workers, and immigration professionals.
📈 Expansion of Legal Work Permits
Italy has announced an increase in legal work permits for non-EU nationals, with a total of 452,000 permits allocated for the 2023–2025 period. This represents a 150% increase compared to the previous three years. Notably, an additional 10,000 permits are designated for caregivers of the elderly and disabled, addressing the country’s aging population and declining birth rate.
🛡️ Stricter Anti-Fraud Measures
To combat fraudulent activities in the visa system, Italy has introduced enhanced verification processes. Applications from countries identified as high-risk—specifically Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—will undergo more rigorous scrutiny. These measures aim to prevent exploitation by criminal organizations and ensure the integrity of the immigration process.
🗳️ 2025 Referendums on Labour Protections
In June 2025, Italy will hold referendums addressing several labour-related issues, including:
Reinstatement rights following unlawful dismissal Judicial discretion in employment termination cases Use of fixed-term agency employment Joint liability provisions for workplace accidents in subcontracting Requirements for acquiring Italian citizenship
These referendums, driven by public petitions and supported by various political parties and civil society organizations, reflect ongoing debates about labour rights and immigration policies in Italy.
📝 Understanding the “Decreto Flussi”
The “Decreto Flussi” is Italy’s annual decree regulating the entry of non-EU workers for seasonal and non-seasonal employment. It outlines quotas for different sectors and aims to balance labour market needs with immigration controls. Employers must apply for work permits on behalf of prospective foreign employees, and the process involves coordination with regional authorities and compliance with national regulations.
✅ Key Takeaways
Increased Work Permits: A total of 452,000 permits for 2023–2025, with an additional 10,000 for caregivers.
Enhanced Security: Stricter checks on applications from high-risk countries to prevent fraud.
Labour Law Reforms: Upcoming referendums may reshape employment protections and citizenship laws.
Employer Responsibilities: Employers play a central role in the application process under the “Decreto Flussi”.
For more detailed information on the 2025 labour work permit reforms and related policies, refer to the official government publications and legal texts.
Note: This blog post is based on information available as of May 2025. For the most current updates, consult official Italian government sources or legal advisories.