### Italy's Strategic Move to Address Labor Shortages: A New Era for Foreign Workers Italy is set to significantly expand its labor market by issuing nearly half a million work permits to non-European Union (EU) nationals from 2026 to 2028. This initiative aims to address critical labor shortages in various sectors, providing new opportunities for foreign job seekers, particularly from countries like India and the UAE. The Italian government has recognized the need for skilled labor to support its economy and has approved a visa quota plan that will allow for the entry of 497,550 foreign workers over the next three years, starting with 165,000 in 2026 [https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/italy-expands-entry-to-foreign-workers-with-half-a-million-new-jobs-by-2028-1.500184849][https://nairametrics.com/2025/07/02/italy-to-issue-497550-non-eu-work-visas-from-2026-2028-to-address-labour-shortage]. ### Breakdown of Italy's Work Visa Initiative 1. **Visa Quota Plan**: Italy will issue a total of 497,550 work permits to non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028, with an initial allocation of 165,000 visas in 2026 [https://leadership.ng/italy-approves-500000-work-permits-for-foreigners]. 2. **Targeted Sectors**: The initiative is designed to fill labor gaps in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which have been struggling to find sufficient workers [https://propakistani.pk/2025/07/01/italy-to-issue-nearly-500000-work-visas-to-tackle-labor-shortage]. 3. **Economic Strategy**: This move is part of a broader strategy by the Italian government to bolster economic growth and manage ongoing migration challenges by expanding legal immigration channels [https://caliber.az/en/post/italy-expands-legal-migration-with-500-000-work-visas-over-three-years]. 4. **Impact on Job Seekers**: The new visa policy is expected to attract job seekers from various countries, particularly those in the UAE and India, who are looking for opportunities in Europe [https://www.patrika.com/en/world-news/italy-to-offer-500000-work-visas-to-non-eu-citizens-19715183]. ### Supporting Data and Evidence - **Total Work Permits**: 497,550 work permits will be issued from 2026 to 2028. - **Initial Year Allocation**: 165,000 permits will be available in 2026. - **Government Approval**: The plan was approved by the Italian cabinet on June 30, 2025, as part of a decree aimed at addressing labor shortages [https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-30/italy-to-allow-500-000-new-migrant-entries-in-next-three-years][https://www.firstpost.com/world/italy-expands-legal-immigration-with-nearly-500000-work-permits-through-2028-13901871.html]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Path Forward for Italy In summary, Italy's decision to issue nearly **500,000 work visas** over the next three years represents a strategic response to labor shortages and an effort to stimulate economic growth. The initiative is structured to provide immediate relief to sectors in need of workers while also expanding legal immigration pathways. 1. **Immediate Action**: The government will start with 165,000 visas in 2026. 2. **Long-term Vision**: The total of 497,550 permits aims to address ongoing labor market challenges. 3. **Broader Implications**: This policy not only supports the Italian economy but also opens doors for foreign job seekers, enhancing Italy's position as a destination for skilled labor [https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2025/07/01/roundup-italy-to-admit-500000-non-eu-workers-by-2028-amid-ongoing-migration-challenges][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3487637-italys-strategic-visa-expansion-a-path-to-economic-revival].