Italy has officially announced its immigration plans for foreign workers for 2026, 2027, and 2028 through a new Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM), published in the Official Gazette. Known as the “Flow Decree,” this policy sets the legal framework, quotas, and procedures for non-EU citizens—including Pakistanis—seeking employment in Italy. Over the three-year period, Italy will open nearly 500,000 positions across various sectors, creating a major opportunity for foreign workers to gain legal employment in Europe.
The Flow Decree outlines annual job quotas across different employment categories, including seasonal work, regular employment, and self-employment. For 2026, the total quota is 164,850 jobs, with 88,000 for seasonal work, 72,200 for regular employment, and 650 for self-employed roles. The 2027 quota is 165,850, and the 2028 quota is 166,850, with similar distributions. Seasonal positions are mostly in agriculture and tourism, while non-seasonal roles cover construction, logistics, manufacturing, and caregiving. These quotas may be revised or supplemented by additional decrees based on labor market needs.
For 2026, the tentative application schedule is as follows: January 12 for agricultural seasonal work, February 9 for tourism seasonal work, February 16 for non-seasonal employment, and February 18 for non-seasonal family care jobs.
Pakistani applicants must first secure a formal job offer from an Italian employer under the Flow Decree quota. The employer then applies for work authorization (nulla osta or NOC) through the ALI Immigration Portal (Sportello Unico Immigrazione) during official “click-day” windows. Once approved, the nulla osta is sent to the worker, who can apply for a Type D Work Visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan. Required documents typically include a valid passport, work contract and nulla osta, proof of financial means, and health insurance coverage.
Upon arrival in Italy, workers must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within eight days, which legally allows them to live and work in the country for the duration of their contract. Seasonal workers may later convert their permits to long-term or non-seasonal employment if conditions are met. The Italian government may also revise quotas or open additional categories based on regional and sector-specific demand, and any unused slots may be carried over to the following year.
This Flow Decree initiative provides a structured pathway for Pakistani and other non-EU workers to access employment opportunities in Italy while contributing to key sectors like agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and caregiving.
