Italy, one of the EU countries is facing labor shortages in various sectors, prompting the government to increase the number of work permits for non-EU foreigners. According to the latest Decreto Flussi, the Italian government plans to grant 82,705 work permits to expat workers this year, with a focus on sectors such as construction, road transport, tourism, and agriculture.
For expat workers, this presents a unique opportunity to find employment in a country with a rich culture, history, and cuisine. In this blog post, we will explore the job opportunities available for expat workers in Italy, as well as the benefits of moving there.
Details of the Decreto Flussi
The maximum total quota for this year’s program is 82,705 units for both seasonal and non-seasonal subordinate work and for self-employment. This information was published in the Official Gazette on January 26, 2023, and all applications for seasonal or non-seasonal work can be sent starting at 9:00 on March 27, 2023, up to the respective quotas or by December 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
The quotas for subordinate, seasonal, and non-seasonal work will be distributed among the territorial Inspectorates of work, the Regions, and the autonomous Provinces by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies.
For seasonal work, a quota of 44,000 units has been set aside for non-EU nationals, with a total of 1,500 units reserved for those foreigners who have entered Italy to work as a seasonal employee at least once in the previous five years, provided that their employer presents a request for clearance multi-year for seasonal subordinate work. The eligible countries for the seasonal work program of Italy are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kosovo, Mali, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, The Republic of North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea (Republic of Korea), and Japan.
The program also has a quota reserved for the agricultural sector, which is 22,000 units for foreign workers and citizens of the mentioned countries. For non-seasonal employment and self-employment, non-EU nationals who reside abroad can avail themselves of a share of 38,705 units, with the quota allowing non-seasonal subordinate work in sectors such as road haulage for third parties, construction, tourism-hotel, mechanics, telecommunications, food, and shipbuilding.
The program has also allotted around 30,105 citizens from countries that have signed up or are about to sign up for specific cooperation agreements on migration
Job Opportunities for Expat Workers in Italy
Italy has a diverse economy, with three main sectors contributing to its growth: services, construction, and agriculture. However, labor shortages are affecting many other sectors as well, including shipbuilding, dentistry, health, paramedical, ICT, textiles, energy, craft, and industrial sectors. In fact, most sectors in Italy are affected by labor shortages, providing ample opportunities for expat workers.
One sector that is particularly in demand of foreign talent is the green economy, which provides employment opportunities in sustainable architecture, low-impact air conditioning systems installation, environmental law, eco-design, electronics engineering, and software design. The ICT sector is also projected to need about 40,000 professionals within the next five years, while the finance sector is expected to recruit between 120,000 and 130,000 professionals. The construction industry is also looking to hire about 50,000 professionals.
Benefits of Moving to Italy as an Expat Worker
Apart from the job opportunities, there are many other benefits of moving to Italy as an expat worker. Italy is known for its rich culture, history, art, architecture, and cuisine, providing a unique experience for expats. The country has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to travel and explore different regions.
In terms of healthcare, Italy has a comprehensive public healthcare system that is available to everyone, including expats. The system provides free or low-cost medical care to its citizens and residents, making it accessible to all.
Another benefit of moving to Italy as an expat worker is the quality of life. Italy is known for its relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, cultural events, and socializing with friends and family. The country has a warm and welcoming culture, making it easy for expats to adapt and integrate into Italian society.
Finally,
Italy’s labor shortages present a unique opportunity for expat workers to find employment in a diverse range of sectors. With the government planning to grant 82,705 work permits this year via the Decreto Flussi, there are plenty of job opportunities for expat workers in sectors such as construction, road transport, tourism, and agriculture. Additionally, moving to Italy provides many benefits, including a rich culture, history, art, architecture, cuisine, healthcare system, and quality of life. Overall, Italy is an attractive destination for expat workers looking for a unique experience and job opportunities.