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The Decreto Flussi, also known as the Flow Decree, is an official measure issued by the Italian government to regulate the number of non-EU nationals who can enter Italy for work purposes each year or across multiple years. This system controls labor migration by setting annual or multi-year quotas based on Italy’s labor market needs while maintaining strict immigration compliance.
Legal Basis and Objectives
The Flow Decree operates under Italian immigration law and determines how many non-EU workers can be admitted for different types of employment, such as seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employment. It also sets aside quotas for specific countries that have migration cooperation agreements with Italy or have assisted in controlling irregular migration flows.
The primary goals of the Decreto Flussi include:
• Balancing labor market shortages with controlled migration.
• Ensuring legal pathways for non-EU nationals to work in Italy.
• Reducing illegal employment and irregular migration risks.
How the Quota System Works
Each year, or through multi-year programming, the Italian government issues a decree outlining the total number of work permits available. These are divided into quotas for various categories:
• Non-seasonal employment: For long-term jobs in construction, transport, industrial, or care sectors.
• Seasonal employment: Primarily for agriculture and tourism, often valid for shorter durations.
• Self-employment: For highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, or investors.
Some quotas are reserved for workers from specific countries, individuals of Italian origin abroad, stateless persons, or those in particular industries facing labor shortages.
Application Process
Employers in Italy play a key role in the application process. They must apply for authorization, called the nulla osta, on behalf of the worker. Applications are submitted through the government’s online portal during a set period, often referred to as “click day” because applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once the nulla osta is approved, the worker applies for a visa at the Italian consulate in their home country. After arrival in Italy, the work contract must be signed, and the residence permit application completed at local immigration offices.
Multi-Year Planning and Recent Reforms
In recent years, Italy has moved from annual quotas to multi-year programming, covering three-year periods at a time. For example, the 2023–2025 decree introduced larger quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers to meet growing labor demands.
The upcoming 2026–2028 quota plan aims to bring in nearly 500,000 foreign workers over three years, with reforms designed to simplify processes, improve transparency, and reduce bureaucracy while supporting industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and elder care that rely heavily on foreign labor.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite high quota numbers, many slots remain unused each year due to administrative delays, complex procedures, and limited awareness among employers. Recent reports show that only a fraction of approved work permits result in actual visa issuance, highlighting the need for procedural reforms to ensure smoother implementation.
Why the Decreto Flussi Matters
For employers, understanding the Decreto Flussi is essential for planning legal recruitment from abroad. For workers, it provides a legitimate pathway to live and work in Italy without risking fines, deportation, or irregular status.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Immigration laws and quota allocations can change, so always confirm details with official Italian government sources or seek professional legal advice before making employment or migration decisions.
