Italy has approved a new labour migration framework that will allow thousands of Pakistani workers to take up legal employment over the next three years, offering a regulated pathway to Europe under its official overseas hiring system.

The decision falls under Italy’s Decreto Flussi programme and sets aside a total of 10,500 work permits for Pakistani nationals between 2026 and 2028. Officials describe the move as one of the largest country-specific labour allocations offered to Pakistan by a European state.

Annual quota and job categories under the plan

Under the approved Italy Work Permit Quota, 3,500 workers will be eligible to travel each year. The allocation includes 1,500 seasonal positions and 2,000 non-seasonal jobs annually, reflecting Italy’s ongoing workforce shortages in labour-intensive sectors.

Authorities say the permits will primarily cover areas such as agriculture, hospitality services, and ship-related industries, where demand for foreign labour remains high due to demographic and structural challenges.

A legal alternative to irregular migration

The new quota is being presented as a structured and transparent route for overseas employment, tied to verified employers and sector-specific needs. Officials believe the arrangement can help reduce irregular migration by providing a lawful and clearly defined process for job seekers.

At the same time, the initiative is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties and improve worker protection by ensuring formal contracts and legal residency status.

Rising overseas migration reflects domestic pressures

The announcement comes as outward migration from Pakistan continues to rise amid economic pressures, including inflation, limited job opportunities, and declining purchasing power.

Government data indicates that nearly 2.9 million Pakistanis have moved abroad for work during the past three years, with more than one million leaving in a single year alone.

Economic impact and remittance expectations

Experts say the expanded access to legal employment could contribute to increased remittances, which remain a key source of income for many households and an important component of the national economy.

The Italy Work Permit Quota is expected to draw close attention from job seekers, recruitment agencies, and policy observers as application procedures and timelines under the Decreto Flussi framework become clearer.

Source: Europeobserver

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