In response to severe labor shortages across multiple sectors, Italy is urgently seeking to fill 600,000 job vacancies by welcoming skilled foreign workers.
The European Labor Authority (EURES) has pinpointed critical shortages in healthcare, science, engineering, and hospitality, creating opportunities for foreign professionals aspiring to live and work in Italy.
The demand for foreign expertise is particularly high in professions such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare and social services professionals, mathematics and computer science specialists, ICT technicians, engineers, engineering technicians, skilled construction workers, and restaurant staff. These occupations are projected to be the most challenging to fill over the next four years.
Italian employers have submitted a staggering 608,000 pre-applications for non-EU workers, revealing a keen interest in addressing the labor shortages.
However, the annual quota for non-EU country workers has been set at 136,000 for the upcoming year, leaving a substantial gap between demand and availability.
Earlier this year, the Italian government implemented significant changes to legislation governing foreign workers and residence permits. The adjustments aim to simplify the employment and relocation processes, facilitating a smoother transition for foreign workers seeking opportunities in Italy.