Italy Sets New Workforce Targets for 2026-2028
Rome has recently announced a new decree outlining the quotas for non-EU workers allowed to enter the country between 2026 and 2028. The initiative, published on October 15th, seeks to streamline the process of admitting foreign labor while addressing concerns regarding workplace regulations and social equilibrium.
A total of 497,550 positions have been authorized over the three-year period.This includes allocations for both employed and self-employed individuals, as well as those engaged in seasonal work. The plan also incorporates provisions for converting existing residence permits into work authorizations, reflecting a strategic approach to manage immigration and workforce demands.
Application Process and Timeline
Individuals interested in applying can begin the pre-compilation of their applications on the ALI portal https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it/AliSportello/ali/home.htm starting at 9:00 AM on October 23rd. Access to the portal requires a valid SPID or CIE digital identity. The pre-compilation window will remain open until 8:00 PM on December 7th, 2025.
final submissions will be accepted electronically based on a “clickday” schedule detailed in a joint circular from the Ministries of the Interior,Labor and Social Policies,agriculture,Food Sovereignty and Forestry,and tourism. The first clickday, scheduled for January 12th, 2026, will focus on applications for seasonal agricultural positions.
Quota Breakdown by Year
The allocation of worker quotas is distributed as follows:
| Year | Quota |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 164,850 |
| 2027 | 165,850 |
| 2028 | 166,850 |
Did You Know? Italy’s labor market has seen increasing demand in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and construction, driving the need for foreign workers.
This new decree aims for a strategic balance between employment opportunities, social integration, and the prevention of irregular work practices.It represents a significant step towards managing migration flows effectively and responsibly.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have your SPID or CIE credentials ready before October 23rd to streamline the application process.
Understanding Italy’s Immigration Policies
Italy has historically relied on foreign workers to fill labor gaps in various sectors. The country’s immigration policies have evolved over time, ofen responding to economic needs and social considerations. According to data from ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics), the foreign-born population in Italy has steadily increased over the past decade, representing approximately 8.8% of the total population in 2023. ISTAT
The “Decreto flussi” (Flow decree) is a key element of Italy’s immigration management system, establishing annual quotas for non-EU citizens seeking employment. These quotas are persistent based on assessments of labor market demands and the country’s capacity to integrate new arrivals. The implementation of these quotas often involves a competitive application process, prioritizing workers in sectors facing acute labor shortages.
Do you believe these new quotas will adequately address Italy’s labor market needs? How might these policies impact the integration of foreign workers into Italian society?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ‘Decreto Flussi’? The ‘Decreto Flussi’ is a decree that establishes the number of non-EU citizens allowed to enter Italy for work purposes each year.
- When does the application pre-compilation begin? application pre-compilation starts on October 23rd, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
- What is required to access the ALI portal? Applicants will need a valid SPID or CIE digital identity to access the ALI portal.
- What is a “clickday”? A “clickday” is a scheduled date and time when applicants can submit their finalized applications electronically.
- Which sector will be prioritized in the first clickday? The first clickday on January 12th, 2026, will focus on seasonal agricultural work.
- Is there a deadline to apply? The pre-compilation phase closes on december 7th, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Share this article with anyone who might potentially be considering work opportunities in Italy, and leave your thoughts in the comments below!
