Italy Expands Days for Foreigners to Apply for Work Visas

Italy plans to extend the number of days foreigners can apply for temporary work visas, known as "click days," in response to a shortage of regular foreign workers. This announcement was made during a government meeting with unions and organizations, emphasizing the need for a more flexible immigration process without altering the existing Bossi-Fini law, which governs immigration policies.

The Bossi-Fini law requires foreign workers to have job offers before entering Italy and imposes strict regulations on residence permits. The government's aim is to ease access for foreign labor while maintaining the law’s provisions. There is a push to develop an annual flow system for work visas, rather than relying on set quotas.

Another critical concern for the government is the potential misuse of work visas, often linked to organized crime. Allegations have surfaced regarding excessive visa applications from companies in certain regions, leading to suspicions that some foreign workers do not secure legitimate employment. This issue has prompted calls for a more regulated approach to visa applications.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has highlighted the exploitation of seasonal work visas by criminal organizations, with reports of these visas being sold for significant sums. As Italy seeks to improve its labor market while safeguarding its immigration laws, these changes reflect ongoing efforts to balance economic needs with security considerations​.