Italy has approved a quota of 10,500 job opportunities for Pakistani workers under its new Decreto Flussi programme, marking a major breakthrough in overseas employment prospects for Pakistan. The development was confirmed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, which described the decision as a significant step forward in labour cooperation between the two countries.
Under the Decreto Flussi framework, Italy has announced one of the largest foreign worker intake plans in Europe for 2026 and beyond. A total of 497,550 work visas will be issued to non-European nationals over the next three years to meet labour shortages in key sectors of the Italian economy. These visas will cover both seasonal and non-seasonal employment and are part of Italy’s regulated system for legal workforce migration.
Pakistan has successfully secured a dedicated share of this programme, with 10,500 jobs allocated over a three-year period. This will allow around 3,500 Pakistani workers to travel to Italy each year for legal employment. According to the ministry, 1,500 of these annual positions will fall under seasonal work permits, while 2,000 will be offered through non-seasonal employment channels.
The available jobs span important sectors such as shipbreaking, healthcare, and agriculture, offering opportunities primarily for skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers. Officials believe this will not only help address labour shortages in Italy but also provide Pakistani workers with stable income, legal protection, and international work experience.
The ministry’s spokesperson said the quota was approved following a formal request by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, calling it an important milestone in Pakistan’s overseas employment strategy. With this move, Italy has become the first European country to allocate a specific and dedicated employment quota for Pakistani workers.
To further strengthen collaboration, a second meeting of the Pakistan–Italy Joint Working Group is scheduled for February 2026. The meeting is expected to focus on expanding labour mobility, improving recruitment mechanisms, and ensuring the welfare and rights of Pakistani workers in Italy.
Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain welcomed the decision, stating that it reflects the government’s commitment to creating dignified and legal employment opportunities abroad. He added that the initiative would open new doors for Pakistan’s workforce, contribute to remittance inflows, and strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Italy.
