Application for temporary Italy work visa is set to increase the number of days foreigners can apply. This change, known as extending “click days,” aims to address labour shortages while tightening security measures.
Key Points:
- Application for more Days: The Italian government will allow foreigners to apply for temporary work visas for a greater number of days annually.
- Focus on Market Needs: This move aims to bridge the gap between the current number of foreign workers and Italy’s market demands.
- Bossi-Fini Law Remains: The government seeks improvement without altering the existing immigration law, known as the Bossi-Fini Law.
- Security Concerns: The reform addresses concerns about potential misuse of work visas by criminal organizations.
Background:
- Italy struggles with a shortage of qualified workers in certain sectors.
- The existing “click day” system restricts the application period for temporary work visas.
- Concerns exist regarding potential security risks and visa misuse.
The Bossi-Fini Law:
- Enacted by former ministers, it regulates immigration by:
- Tightening residence permit requirements for foreigners and their families.
- Demanding pre-arranged job offers for non-EU citizens before entering Italy.
- Granting authorities greater power to deport and detain undocumented migrants.
- Penalizing employers who hire undocumented workers.
Government’s Approach:
- The government intends to present a decree law soon, outlining the specifics of the new system.
- The focus on “flows” suggests a desire for a more controlled and monitored influx of foreign workers.
- This aligns with concerns about potential criminal involvement in the visa process.
Security Concerns:
- The government suspects fraudulent activity and possible infiltration of organized crime within the current system.
- Prime Minister Meloni has previously spoken out against the misuse of seasonal work visas by criminal gangs.
Looking Ahead:
This reform represents a measured approach by the Italian government. It aims to address labor shortages while prioritizing security and combating potential visa misuse. The decree law’s details will be crucial in understanding how these objectives will be balanced.