What's Happening?
Italy has announced the allocation of 40,075 seasonal work visas for 2026 under the new 'Decreto Flussi'. This initiative is part of a broader plan to admit 497,550 foreign workers over the next three years. The agricultural sector is set to receive the largest
share with 27,000 visas, followed by tourism and hospitality with 13,000. The first online application day, known as 'click-day', opened on January 12, 2026, and the agricultural quota is expected to be quickly exhausted due to ongoing labor shortages in Italy's agri-food supply chain and coastal resort industry. The Ministry of Labour has divided the quota among Italy's 20 regions and main employer associations, emphasizing the need for speed and accuracy in the application process.
Why It's Important?
The allocation of these visas is crucial for addressing labor shortages in Italy's key industries, particularly agriculture and tourism, which have struggled to meet staffing needs since the pandemic. This move is expected to bolster Italy's economic sectors that rely heavily on seasonal workers. The initiative also provides a pathway for seasonal workers to transition into multi-year contracts, potentially stabilizing the workforce in these industries. However, the competitive nature of the application process highlights the challenges employers face in securing necessary labor, which could impact productivity and economic growth if not managed effectively.
What's Next?
The next significant date is February 9, when tourism firms will compete for their share of the 13,000 visas. With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, demand for these visas is expected to exceed supply. Companies that do not secure visas in the initial round are advised to keep their applications ready, as the Ministry has indicated that unused quotas may be redistributed later in the year, offering another opportunity to obtain the necessary workforce.
