Italy seeks 600,000 foreign workers to fill critical job vacancies

Rome: In response to severe labor shortages across multiple sectors, Italy is urgently seeking to fill 600,000 job vacancies by welcoming skilled foreign workers.

The European Labor Authority (EURES) has pinpointed critical shortages in healthcare, science, engineering, and hospitality, creating opportunities for foreign professionals aspiring to live and work in Italy.

The demand for foreign expertise is particularly high in professions such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare and social services professionals, mathematics and computer science specialists, ICT technicians, engineers, engineering technicians, skilled construction workers, and restaurant staff. These occupations are projected to be the most challenging to fill over the next four years.

Italian employers have submitted a staggering 608,000 pre-applications for non-EU workers, revealing a keen interest in addressing the labor shortages.

However, the annual quota for non-EU country workers has been set at 136,000 for the upcoming year, leaving a substantial gap between demand and availability.

Earlier this year, the Italian government implemented significant changes to legislation governing foreign workers and residence permits. The adjustments aim to simplify the employment and relocation processes, facilitating a smoother transition for foreign workers seeking opportunities in Italy.

Out of the submitted applications, 260,950 are for seasonal positions in tourism and agriculture, addressing the pressing needs of these vital sectors.

Additionally, 253,470 applications are for non-seasonal roles in construction and related industries, while roughly 86,070 applications focus on positions like domestic workers and health caretakers.

Non-EU citizens seeking employment in Italy are required to follow a specific procedure. Initially, they must secure a job in Italy, after which their prospective Italian employer can apply for a work permit.

Once the work permit is granted, individuals can proceed to apply for a work visa at Italian representative offices in their respective countries.

As Italy navigates this critical need for foreign workers, the nation aims to not only fill immediate gaps but also cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce contributing to the growth and development of the country.