Italy To Award 165,000 Work Visas in 2025: New Rights For Seasonal Employees

Italy is one of Europe’s top places for migrant workers. It offers job opportunities, a strong need for labor, and clear paths for legal migration. The country depends heavily on foreign workers, especially in farming, construction, and caregiving. This has made Italy a good destination for both short-term and long-term jobs.

In an important policy change, the Italian government has raised its work visa quota for 2025. It will offer 165,000 work visas, up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023. This increase shows the government’s effort to fix labor shortages and update its migration policy to meet economic needs.

Seasonal employees play a critical role in sustaining Italy’s key industries. Sectors such as agriculture and tourism depend heavily on this workforce to meet cyclical demands. 

Breakdown of the 2025 Work Visa Quota

In 2025, Italy will issue 165,000 work visas as part of its growing labor migration program. This is a clear increase from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023. The rising numbers show the government’s continued effort to fill labor gaps in key industries.

The visa quota is split into seasonal and non-seasonal permits. Out of the total, 93,550 visas are set aside for seasonal workers. These workers mainly support industries that need help at certain times of the year, especially agriculture and tourism, two major parts of Italy’s seasonal economy.

The rest of the permits will go to non-seasonal jobs, such as roles in construction, senior care, and other important services. This plan helps meet both short-term and long-term labor needs. It also supports Italy’s economy and offers legal job opportunities for foreign workers.

New Rights for Seasonal Migrant Employees

Italy has made an important policy change that lets seasonal migrant workers start their jobs legally while waiting for their permit change to be approved. This rule applies to those switching from a seasonal permit to a regular work permit, allowing them to begin working without delay.

This change shows the Italian government’s effort to balance labor needs with migrant protection. Allowing legal work during permit processing helps solve many problems seasonal workers have faced for a long time.

The primary objectives of the new law are threefold:

• Reduce income loss: Seasonal workers often experience delays in income due to permit-related waiting periods. The updated regulation ensures a smoother transition and continuous earnings during administrative processing.

• Curb informal employment: By granting conditional legal work status, the law reduces the need for undocumented labor arrangements, which are common when workers face legal employment barriers.

• Prevent exploitation: Previously, migrants waiting for permit approval were vulnerable to unfair labor practices. The new rule provides a legal framework that enhances worker protection and reinforces accountability among employers.

Conditions for Legal Employment During Permit Processing

Seasonal migrant workers must meet certain conditions set by Italian authorities to start working legally while their residence permit is being converted. These rules keep employment regulated, clear, and protected by national labor laws.

The three conditions are as follows:

• Proof of Application: Workers must provide a valid receipt confirming that they have submitted the official request to convert their seasonal residence permit to a non-seasonal work permit. This receipt serves as formal evidence of the transition process and is a prerequisite for temporary work authorization.

• Unilav Submission: Employers must complete the Unilav form, an online notification of employment, and submit it to the relevant labor authorities. This submission confirms the start of the employment relationship and ensures that it is recorded within the national labor system.

• Social Security Registration (INPS): Employers are also required to enroll the worker in Italy’s social security system (INPS). This step validates the job contract and provides the employee with access to social protections, including healthcare and pension contributions.

Implications of the Policy Change

The updated directive has important effects for seasonal migrant workers and their employers. By changing who can work during the permit conversion, the policy creates clearer legal rules and strengthens worker protections.

For Employees

Seasonal workers who apply to change their residence permits now get legal work rights as soon as they submit their application. This removes the old waiting period and lets them keep working without breaks.

The directive also provides better job protection and steady income. Workers can avoid unemployment and rely less on informal or unstable jobs. This security improves their place in the labor market and boosts their well-being.

For Employers

Employers must now provide correct and timely documents for every hire. This includes submitting the Unilav form, checking the permit conversion receipt, and completing INPS registration. If they don’t follow these rules, they risk legal penalties or problems with their employment.

The policy demands strict follow-through on new hiring steps, encouraging clear and responsible recruitment. By sticking to these rules, employers help create a fair labor system and ensure steady access to needed migrant workers.

Italy’s Three-Year Migration Plan

To meet changing labor market needs, Italy has launched a three-year migration plan with a clear, long-term visa strategy. This plan helps the government control worker arrivals better and match immigration policies to the country’s social and economic goals.

The plan sets yearly visa quotas ahead of time, giving both employers and foreign workers clear expectations. It outlines how many and what types of work permits will be issued each year, based on industry needs and regional labor gaps.

Goals of the Three-Year Plan

• Control Irregular Work: By expanding legal avenues for employment, the plan aims to reduce reliance on informal labor, which often lacks regulation and exposes workers to exploitation. Structured visa issuance promotes lawful hiring practices and labor transparency.

• Ensure a Steady Inflow of Skilled Labor: The strategy supports a continuous and balanced entry of skilled and seasonal workers, helping to address persistent shortages in critical industries such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, and tourism.

• Align Immigration Policy with Economic Needs: The plan creates a cohesive link between migration management and economic planning. It ensures that immigration decisions are driven by labor market data and national development goals, rather than reactive measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many of the 2025 visas are allocated to seasonal workers?

Out of the total 165,000, 93,550 visas are designated for seasonal workers, primarily in industries such as agriculture and tourism.

How does the new directive benefit seasonal workers?

The policy provides immediate legal work status, reducing income loss and protecting workers from exploitation. It also offers greater stability and access to formal job benefits.

Can non-seasonal workers also benefit from the policy changes?

Yes. While the immediate directive focuses on seasonal employees, the broader visa expansion and structured migration plan support non-seasonal labor needs, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and construction.

What does the new policy mean for employers?

Employers must ensure full compliance with documentation and hiring procedures, including the timely submission of the Unilav form and INPS registration. 

Conclusion

The new rule letting seasonal workers start jobs during permit processing is practical and fair. It cuts income loss, lowers informal work, and boosts protections against abuse. It also makes hiring clearer and more organized, with employers required to follow legal steps to comply.

Migrant workers and employers should get ready early. Knowing the application rules, keeping correct documents, and following regulations are key to making the most of the new opportunities.