Kritika 
In 2026, Italy’s policies regarding labor migration will be more robust, shifting the focus from granting working visas to providing robust protection to workers. Authorities have increased focus on preparing migrant workers before docking on the Italian state. At the same time, as the country is implementing its record-breaking Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 program, a greater focus is placed on preparing migrant workers before they dock in Italy.
The goal of these efforts is to deter visa fraud, educate the legal population and assure that foreign labor enters the country through legit recruiters not as victims of illegal recruiters.
Why Has Pre-Departure Training Become More Important?
Prior to departure from their countries, international workers also have to suffer from the lack of information about their salary, employment contract, obtaining visa, and recruitment fees. Unscrupulous brokers often take advantage of such gaps in knowledge to offer false employment opportunities or take illegal or exorbitant fees.
.Improving the quality of migrants’ knowledge of their rights and obligations as citizens of Italy before they reach the markets for migration services has become a central part of the Italian approach to migration management.
Supporting the Historic Decreto Flussi Program
The new Italian 3-year work visa framework allows for the issue of almost half a million visas in the period 2026-2028. For 2026 only, 164,850 entry permits were issued for seasonal and non-seasonal occupations, such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, tourism, agriculture and digital technology.
With such a massive migration programme, more measures are needed to protect migrants from exploitation and ensure they recognize genuine employment opportunities.
Protecting Workers Through Legal Awareness
Pre-departure guidance can inform migrant workers about an official visa process, job contracts, salary expectations, and what to take and what to expect.
As workers get to know the proper recruitment procedures it will make them less susceptible to fraud from people who offer fake work permits, fake employment letters, or illegal immigration consultants.
Priority Countries Receive Structured Migration Support
Italy focuses its immigration provision on 38 priority countries, which do not include the EU, including India, Bangladesh, Morocco and Egypt. The countries closely work together with Italy on labor migration management.
This collaboration enables both governments to enhance the credibility of recruitment in the process, improve information sharing between governments, and to entice labour to avail themselves of proper channels when applying for visas.
Employment Rights Before Arrival
Educating workers prior to their trip also means educating them about the employment protections they will enjoy when they arrive in Italy.
The 2026 Labour Decree is a further strengthening of the rights of workers, where employment ties are assessed based on how the workers actually work and not by the contractual terms. This way, employers won’t fall into the trap of misclassifying employees and denying them their legal rights.
Digital Worker Protections Continue to Expand
The new Italian labour laws also tackle difficulties platform or “gig” economy employees encounter.
New rules call for more transparency in algorithm-based management systems, and workers to request human decisions on automated hiring decisions. Again, these moves are indicative of Italy’s care over staff, both local and foreign.
Avoiding Common Visa Scams
It is never a good idea for any prospective worker to accept a job position from any individual or entity other than the official employers of that position or entity, and to always carefully read the employment agreements/papers prior to accepting a job position, and to make no unofficial payments to recruitment agents/individuals.
In addition, the applicants need to adhere to government authorized visa procedures, and keep copies of all the paperwork they submitted in the visa application process. Information and education are among the best forms of protection against immigration fraud.
Know the latest work permit updates.
Can UAE Hiring Get Faster?
Check out the new digital work permit changes.
Why So Many UAE Permits?
Find what rising permit numbers mean for workers.
Why Is Russia Hiring More?
Uncover why work permits are increasing for migrants.
Who Can Work Until 63?
See Singapore’s updated work permit age rules.
Can Work Permits Stay Balanced?
Look into the push for fair migrant policies.
Safer Path for Global Talent
Italy combines an increased number of work visas with robust safeguards for the workers, reflecting an increasing focus on responsible labour migration.
The country’s labour shortage problems remain a concern in various areas of its economy, but its new policy on migration shift focuses on providing legal access for migrant workers and increasing their awareness of rights and employment opportunities with more confidence and security.
FAQs
What is Italy’s Decreto Flussi program?
Decree Flows is the Italian official initiative for the recruitment of labour migrants and the allocation of employment for non-EU nationals based on skills shortages in different sectors.
What is the importance of training for migrant workers before they leave?
Before arriving in Italy, pre-departure training gives workers an understanding of the official visa procedures, rights with regards to the employment conditions, legal recruitment practice and common fraud schemes.
What is the number of visas that Italy is accepting for the new work visa system?
The approximate number of work visas that Italy will issue in 2026 and 2028 is nearly 500,000, of which around 164,850 visas will be awarded in 2026 alone.
