Italy will grant almost 500,000 new work visas to non-EU nationals between 2026 and 2028 to address labour shortages and support economic sectors like agriculture, the government announced on Monday. The plan will allow 164,850 entries in 2026, aiming for a cumulative total of 497,550 by 2028.
This marks Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s second major expansion of legal migration channels since taking office, following a similar move to issue over 450,000 permits between 2023 and 2025. While Meloni maintains strict measures against illegal immigration, including faster repatriations and restrictions on migrant rescue charities, her government sees legal migration as essential for Italy’s ageing population and declining birthrate.
Agricultural lobby Coldiretti welcomed the decision to ensure food production workforce needs are met. Research indicates Italy must take in at least 10 million immigrants by 2050 to maintain its current population levels.
