Italy Expands Migrant Work Visas to Address Caregiver Shortage

Italy will issue an additional 10,000 migrant work visas next year to address its caregiver shortage. This new move is part of a broader package of migration rules aimed at easing legal immigration while cracking down on illegal arrivals and fraud. The updated policy follows lobbying by charities and addresses increasing labor shortages.

Italy is set to issue an extra 10,000 work visas next year for caregivers looking after the elderly and disabled. This decision is part of a new package of migration rules aimed at combating the country's caregiver shortage, exacerbated by its ageing population and low birth rate.

The additional quota for caregivers builds on the 452,000 work visas announced for the 2023-2025 period. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's rightist government has been implementing measures to curb illegal immigration while expanding legal channels to address labor shortages.

Among the new measures included in the decree is stricter oversight for sea rescue NGOs, who must now inform authorities immediately of their movements to avoid penalties. Additionally, enhanced anti-fraud checks will be applied to migrant visa applications from high-risk countries, following concerns about criminal exploitation of the visa system.