Italy to Issue 165,000 Work Visas in 2025 – New Legal Rights for Seasonal Migrant Workers

In a significant shift, Italy now allows seasonal migrant workers to legally start employment before their permits are formally approved. This interim right removes the waiting gap that previously left thousands vulnerable to unregulated work and exploitation.

To be eligible for legal work during the permit process, workers must:

• Submit Proof of Application for converting their seasonal stay to a standard work permit.

• Electronically file the Unilav Form, confirming formal job engagement.

• Register with INPS, Italy’s social security agency, if employed in domestic care.

These steps ensure transparent registration and protect the rights of both workers and employers during the transitional phase.

Why This Change Matters for Italy—and for B2B Travel Professionals

This proactive policy reflects Italy’s broader commitment to building a more humane, structured immigration framework. By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, it boosts efficiency in talent onboarding—especially in high-demand sectors.

For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and manpower consultants, this directive:

• Unlocks new placement and visa processing opportunities

• Enhances credibility for compliant job placements

• Allows group facilitation of legal seasonal workforce movement to Italy

Visa Allocation Highlights: Who Benefits in 2025?

Italy’s updated quota system reflects targeted support for industries under labour stress. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Total Work Visas in 2025: 165,000

• Seasonal Worker Quota: 93,550 (agriculture, tourism, hospitality)

• Caregiver Visas: 10,000 (to support Italy’s ageing population)

• Construction & Industrial Roles: A notable share of the remaining quota

These figures mark a significant increase from 2024 (151,000 visas) and 2023 (136,000 visas), showcasing a clear policy shift toward inclusive workforce migration.

Italy’s Three-Year Migration Strategy: A Long-Term Game Plan

Italy’s visa expansion is part of a three-year strategic migration plan that sets structured annual quotas across critical sectors. The policy aims to:

• Reduce informal employment

• Ensure a steady inflow of legal workers

• Strengthen labour protections through systematized documentation

For agents operating in European and Schengen-focused markets, this plan offers stability, predictability, and extended opportunities to build long-term recruitment partnerships.

What Employers and Agents Need to Know

• Employers must submit Unilav and INPS registrations correctly to activate legal work status.

• Travel professionals and visa agents should educate clients on the revised three-step compliance process.

• Prospective workers from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe are strongly encouraged to apply early to benefit from the high 2025 quotas.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Italy’s Economy and Global Migrant Talent

Italy's 2025 visa expansion and interim work rights for seasonal migrants represent a balanced, forward-thinking approach to immigration. By addressing real-world labour needs while empowering migrant workers with dignity and legal security, Italy sets a benchmark for progressive migration policy.

For B2B travel professionals, this is more than a policy update—it’s a market opportunity. Whether you're facilitating visa applications, group deployments, or employment contracts, staying ahead of these regulatory shifts will position your agency as a trusted leader in Europe-bound workforce mobility.