Over 181,000 foreign workers expected in Italy, with Morocco as a key contributor

Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Tourism issued a joint circular outlining the guidelines for foreign workers entering Italy in 2024.

The decree aims to meet the growing demands of Italy’s labor market by allowing the entry of seasonal and non-seasonal workers from non-EU countries to support key sectors.

It is expected that over 181,000 foreign workers, including 110,000 seasonal workers, 70,000 non-seasonal workers, and 730 self-employed individuals, will come to Italy.

The entry of non-seasonal workers is restricted to countries with cooperation agreements with Italy, such as Morocco, Egypt, Albania, Tunisia, Ukraine, and others.

Employers wishing to hire foreign workers must demonstrate financial capacity, with proof of income or sales of at least 30,000 euros. A quota of 9,500 jobs is allocated to the social care sector.

Seasonal workers will also come from countries like Morocco, Ethiopia, and Senegal, with the largest share of the quota allocated to them. Only 50 seasonal positions are available for stateless individuals and refugees.

Self-employed workers must have a significant economic impact, with investments of at least 500,000 euros and a commitment to creating at least three new jobs. The decree also targets company executives, artists, and high-level professionals, along with those establishing innovative start-ups.

Additionally, the decree requires that Italian employers first verify the unavailability of local workers before requesting foreign labor.

It introduces digital procedures for applying for work permits, aiming to reduce waiting times and streamline the management of economic migration. To protect foreign workers from exploitation, Italy has also imposed fines of up to 5,500 euros on employers who provide substandard housing or charge excessive rent to seasonal workers.