The Italian government has announced a three-year plan to recruit international workers, reserving 497,550 places for non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028. This program, known as the Decreto Flussi, sets a yearly quota of work permits by sector and nationality. Algeria is among the countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for these work visas, along with Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal.
For 2027, Italy has allocated 165,850 work permits, with 89,000 places reserved for seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism, 76,200 for non-seasonal jobs, including 14,000 for home care, and 650 for self-employed workers. The quotas reflect the country's labor needs, particularly in the agricultural and hospitality sectors. To be eligible, applicants must be nationals of countries with which Italy has a migration or cooperation agreement.
The application process involves a job offer from an Italian employer, who must submit a request for a nulla osta, or work permit, on behalf of the candidate. The employer must provide documentation, including tax information, proof of accommodation, and a job contract. The candidate must submit a copy of their passport and identification documents. The application process takes place online through the ALI portal.
The Italian government has set specific dates for the application process. The pre-filling of applications will take place from October 23 to December 7, 2026, and corrections can be made until December 13. The Click Day, when applications are submitted, will determine the allocation of work permits. The processing time for applications is 20 days for seasonal workers and 60 days for non-seasonal workers.
Once a work permit is granted, the employer has 15 days to confirm it, and the worker has 180 days to apply for a visa at the Italian diplomatic representation in their country. If approved, the worker will receive a national visa of type D, which may be accompanied by a provisional tax code. After arrival in Italy, the worker and employer must sign a contract of stay within 15 days.
The Italian authorities have warned of the risks of exploitation by unscrupulous intermediaries who offer fake assistance to migrants. According to the 2024 report of the Italian anti-trafficking hotline, labor exploitation affects mostly adult male migrants. European parliamentarians are considering extending the duration of residence permits for foreign workers to reduce their administrative vulnerability.
The Italian government's move to introduce a work visa program for non-EU nationals aims to address labor shortages in specific sectors. The program also seeks to provide a safe and regulated channel for migrants to access employment opportunities in Italy. Algerian citizens, along with those from other eligible countries, can apply for these work visas and take advantage of the opportunities available in the Italian labor market.
Key points
- Italy has allocated 165,850 work permits for 2027, with 89,000 places for seasonal workers and 76,200 for non-seasonal jobs.
- The application process for work visas involves a job offer from an Italian employer and submission of documentation through the ALI portal.
- Algerian citizens are among those eligible to apply for work visas under the Italian government's Decreto Flussi program.
