The Latest Italian Immigration Policies and Updates

Created: Jan 16, 2024 | Updated: Mar 11, 2024

Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition, is ushering in new immigration policies. While responding to calls for easier import of labour, the government faces challenges and seeks solutions to meet both labour demands and her citizen’s interests. This quest for solutions has birthed new immigration policies that will protect Italy in these times.

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Italy’s Decreto Flussi for 2023-2025

As of 3rd October 2023, Italy's immigration policies underwent a significant transformation with the enactment of the Flow Decree (Decreto Flussi). This decree, outlined in the Official Gazette, sets the stage for the comprehensive planning of entry flows for foreign workers as it paves the way for the admission of 452,000 foreign workers over three years from 2023-2025. According to the Ministry of Interior, they have received 260,953 pre-applications for seasonal tourism and agriculture jobs, 253,473 for non-seasonal construction and trade roles, and 86,074 for domestic and healthcare positions. The dynamics of Italy's labour market, coupled with the details of the decree, present both challenges and opportunities for prospective immigrants and policymakers.
 

Criteria for Entry

The determination of the number of foreigners allowed into Italy per time, according to Article 1, Paragraph 3 of Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023, relies on common criteria such as:

1. Balancing Entry Flows with Labor Market Needs: The number of foreign workers allowed to enter Italy is planned to gradually align more closely with the actual needs of the Italian labor market. This planning is based on information from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and takes into account the ability of local communities to integrate foreign workers.

2. Widening Economic Sectors for Entry: The range of economic sectors eligible for foreign workers is being expanded. This means more types of jobs are being considered when planning how many workers can enter Italy.

3. Improving Training in Countries of Origin: There's an emphasis on enhancing training programs in the countries where the foreign workers come from. This is to ensure that workers have the necessary skills before they arrive in Italy.

4. Encouraging Cooperation with Origin and Transit Countries: Italy is looking to increase cooperation with the countries where the migrants come from and those they pass through on their way to Italy. This cooperation aims to manage migration flows more effectively.

5. Favoring Highly Qualified Workers: There's a focus on incentivizing workers with high professional qualifications to enter Italy. This means skilled workers are given preference in the immigration process.

Additionally, there are also specific criteria:

• Preferential Quotas for Certain Countries: There are special quotas for workers from countries that work with Italy to inform their citizens about the dangers of illegal migration.
   
• Prioritizing Agricultural Workers: Within the agricultural sector, preference is given to employers who didn't get the workers they requested in previous quotas.
   
• Specific Quota for Family and Social-Health Care Workers: A particular number of workers, like domestic helpers and caregivers, is allocated for family and social-health care sectors.
   

Overall Quota Distribution:

The decree authorizes 452,000 entries over three years, distributed as 136,000 for 2023, 151,000 for 2024, and 165,000 for 2025. Quotas for seasonal work and non-seasonal employment, self-employment, and conversions are delineated, with specific units allocated to diverse categories of workers. For the year 2024, citizens from countries with cooperation agreements with Italy can submit applications from February 5th, 2024, while other citizens can apply from February 9th, 2024, and seasonal work applicants from February 12th, 2024. Deadlines and procedures for subsequent years are also outlined, with room for flexibility based on needs. 

 

 

Italy Strengthens Asylum Laws Amidst Surge in Migrant Arrivals

Italy has implemented new asylum laws in response to a recent increase in migrant arrivals on its southern shores. The measures, approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, include extended detention periods for migrants awaiting asylum decisions and the creation of additional detention centres in remote areas.

The initial detention period has been increased from three months to six months, with the possibility of further extension up to 18 months. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that this timeframe is necessary for assessments and potential deportation of individuals who do not qualify for international protection. The government has approved the establishment of more detention centres in remote areas to address these challenges posed by the surge.

Thousands of migrants have landed on the small Italian island of Lampedusa, which has a population of 6,000. Most migrants undertook the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea from Tunisia, with conditions on the island becoming dire. Overflowing reception centres have led to migrants sleeping on the streets.

European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, visited Lampedusa and outlined a 10-point plan to alleviate pressure on Italy, including an increased role for the EU's border agency, Frontex, in identifying and deporting migrants who do not qualify for asylum. However, experts are not so sure about the plan's effectiveness.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a European mission, potentially involving naval efforts, to prevent the departure of boats from North Africa. The aim is to assess asylum eligibility in Africa and accept into Europe only those who qualify according to international conventions. Human rights groups have expressed concerns over Tunisia's treatment of refugees, calling for a humane response from Europe. Tightened asylum laws may lead to riskier journeys, according to Andrea Costa of the Baobab Experience charity.
 

Implications for Italy’s Immigration Landscape

The Decreto Flussi responds to Italy's labour market needs by providing a framework for the controlled entry of foreign workers. The careful planning of each quota and sector reflects an effort to bridge the gap between labour demand and supply, particularly in major industries like agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare.

The decree encourages the entry of workers with high professional qualifications, which recognizes the value of skilled labour in contributing to Italy's economic development. The deadlines for submitting applications and the provision for adjustments based on unforeseen needs show Italy’s flexible and adaptive approach. This allows for continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the policies and the ability to make necessary changes in response to evolving circumstances. 

While the Decreto Flussi addresses immediate labour needs, its long-term impact lies in its potential to shape future immigration policies. The careful consideration of criteria, quotas, and collaboration with origin countries sets a precedent for informed and strategic immigration management.
 

Implications for You

These new immigration reforms have ushered in a new era for those who are aspiring to relocate to the country. As these policies reshape the immigration landscape, you must work through the nitty-gritty of the application process as you intend to make Italy your home, and getting certified translation services in Italy plays a very important role in making sure you have a smooth transition. Here's how certified translation services in Italy come into play:

Documentation Requirements:

When moving to Italy involves performing a series of applications for visas, work permits, residence permits, etc. The application process for all these often involves the submission of various documents.

Because you are coming from a foreign country with documents that are not issued in the Italian language, certified translations of these documents, for example, educational certificates, professional qualifications, and identity papers will be required to meet the application criteria. This is because your documents need to be understood by the Italian immigration authorities.
 

Collaboration with Origin Countries:

Certain countries may have agreements to work together with Italy on campaigns to combat illegal migration trafficking. If you are from one of these countries, you may need to provide certain documents to take part in awareness programs or fulfill certain requirements. If these documents are in a foreign language, they will need a certified translation for them to be valid for use in Italy. 
 

Italy’s Preference for High-Skilled Workers:

The decree encourages the entry of high-skilled workers, recognizing their value to the Italian economy. If you are a foreign professional seeking employment in specialized sectors, you may need certified translations of your credentials to prove your qualifications. Also, quotas allocated to various economic sectors, including healthcare and technology, require applicants to provide translated documents showcasing their expertise in these fields.
 

Certified translation services are an important tool for facilitating your application process so it is necessary to contact a certified translation service in Italy like Translayte. Our services ensure that all required documents, from legal and financial records to educational and professional certificates, are accurately translated and meet the standards set by Italian authorities.

As Italy takes on these new immigration policies, the road ahead involves continuous evaluation, adjustments, and the potential for them to start an immigration model that resonates with other European states. The new policies provide a foundation to turn problems into chances and they stress the importance of smart planning and a careful way of managing immigration.
 

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