Decreto Flussi Italy 2024: Unprecedented enthusiasm for seasonal work

In December 2023, the seasonal work in Italy has taken on an unprecedented dimension, particularly in the context of the decreto flussi 2024" . As soon as applications for seasonal work visas opened, there was an immediate influx, with Italian employers filling the quota of 82,550 applications in a single day. This situation, which testifies to a serious labor shortage, underlines the challenges and needs of the Italian labor market, particularly in sectors as important as agriculture.

Understanding the decreto flussi 2024

The " decreto flussi " is an Italian government initiative that annually sets the maximum number of non-EU citizens authorized to enter Italy to work. This decree, issued by the Ministry of the Interior, is in line with the fluctuating needs of the Italian labor market, acting as a barometer of the country's economy.

The decree is divided into two major categories:

1. Entries for Seasonal Work Reasons (Lavoro Subordinato Stagionale) : These entries target foreign workers wishing to work in Italy for a limited period, often a few months. Agriculture, tourism and the hotel industry are the sectors most in demand, reflecting the seasonal nature of their labor needs.
2. Inputs for Work No Seasonal (Lavoro Subordinato Non Stagionale) : This category concerns workers looking to establish themselves in Italy on a more long-term basis. The industrial, technological and healthcare sectors are particularly targeted, requiring specialized skills and a long-term commitment.

Priorities and admission criteria

The "decreto flussi" gives priority to citizens of countries that have signed agreements with Italy to combat illegal immigration. For 2023, the following is planned:

• Country-specific workers for lavoro subordinato non stagionale.
• Citizens of other countries with cooperation agreements.
• Special quotas for Venezuelan citizens of Italian origin and stateless persons or refugees.

List of countries with which Italy has migration agreements

Here is the list of countries with which Italy has migration agreements, and which are therefore affected by the "decreto flussi 2023-2025":

1. Albania
2. Algeria
3. Bangladesh
4. Bosnia-Herzegovina
5. Korea (Republic of)
6. Ivory Coast
7. Egypt
8. El Salvador
9. Ethiopia
10. Philippines
11. Gambia
12. Georgia
13. Ghana
14. Japan
15. Jordan
16. Guatemala
17. India
18. Kirghizstan
19. Kosovo
20. Mali
21. Morocco
22. Maurice
23. Moldova
24. Montenegro
25. Niger
26. Nigeria
27. Pakistan
28. Peru
29. Republic of Northern Macedonia
30. Senegal
31. Serbia
32. Sri Lanka
33. Sudan
34. Tunisia
35. Ukraine

Different categories of "decreto flussi 2023, 2024 and 2025" with quotas

Category	Description in French	Description in Italian	Quota for 2023
Subordinate Non-seasonal work	25,000 workers from specific countries; 12,000 citizens of countries with cooperation agreements; 100 Venezuelans of Italian origin; 200 stateless people or refugees.	Lavoro subordinato non stagionale: 25 000 lavoratori da paesi specifici; 12 000 cittadini di paesi con accordi di cooperazione; 100 persone di origine venezuelana e italiana; 200 apolidi o rifugiati.	37 300
Self-employment	500 foreign workers, including entrepreneurs, freelancers, famous artists and start-up creators.	Lavoro autonomo: 500 lavoratori stranieri, inclusi imprenditori, lavoratori autonomi, artisti famosi e fondatori di start-up.	500
Seasonal work	82,500 people in agriculture and the hotel and tourism industry; specific breakdowns for migration cooperation, stateless persons or refugees, and those who have already worked in Italy.	Lavoro subordinato stagionale: 82 500 persone in agricoltura e nell'ospitalità turistica; ripartizioni specifiche per cooperazione in materia di migrazione, apolidi o rifugiati, e lavoratori pregressi in Italia.	82 500
Conversion of Residence Permits	Conversion of seasonal residence permits into permanent residence permits work salaried or self-employed.	Conversione di permessi di soggiorno stagionali in permessi di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato o autonomo.	4 150

Quotas are no longer enough!

n December 15, 2023, Italy witnessed an exceptional situation in the seasonal work in Italy. As soon as applications for seasonal work visas opened, Italian employers exceeded the maximum ceiling of 82,550 applications in a single day. This situation reveals a critical labor shortage in various sectors, mainly agriculture.

The competent Italian authority did not disclose the exact number of applications, but confirmed that the number of requests far exceeded the authorized quota. This peak in demands suggests a labor crisis in several sectors key. According to Coldiretti, the organization representing Italian agricultural businesses, these requests mainly concerned the agricultural, tourism and hotel sectors.

Significant demand from seasonal work in Italy were recorded in regions such as Trentino, famous for its apple harvest, and Veneto Giulia, renowned for its wine production. Other regions, such as Lazio and Campania, also reported strong demand, particularly for vegetables, tobacco and tomatoes.

Although the authorities did not provide precise data on the nationality of the workers involved, Coldiretti indicated that the majority of seasonal workers came from Morocco, Albania, Senegal, Pakistan, Tunisia, Nigeria and Northern Macedonia. These foreign workers play a vital role in supporting in many sectors, particularly during seasonal peaks.

In 2022, foreign workers contributed to the production of a third of "Made in Italy" products. These figures underline the crucial importance of the seasonal work in Italy in maintaining the country's agricultural and industrial productivity.

How can job seekers apply for the decreto flussi?

Before going into the details of the application process for the Decreto FlussiHowever, it is important to note that for certain job categories, such as seasonal work in agriculture, and for applicants from countries with specific agreements with Italy, the requirements in terms of education and command of the Italian language may not be required. This makes these opportunities more accessible to a wider range of candidates.

Registration eligibility criteria

Qualification for education

• Most categories require secondary education or equivalent.
• Higher education qualifications are also taken into account.

Professional experience

• Experience of work experience required in the job category concerned.
• The number of years of experience varies by category.

Specific job categories

• Opportunities in various categories, including seasonal, independent and subordinate work.
• Specific requirements for each category, such as age and experience.

Italian language skills

• Italian language proficiency required for certain job categories, with certain exceptions.

Financial assistance

• Proof of sufficient financial support for the stay in Italy.

Background checks

• Background checks to ensure public health and safety.

Documents required for registration

Identity documents

• Valid passport and national identity card required.

Proof of employment or education

• Employment contracts, certificates, diplomas and transcripts.

Proof of financial means

• Bank statements, salary slips and other financial documents.

Proof of accommodation

• Rental contracts, hotel reservations or invitation documents.

Medical certificates

• Recent medical certificates issued by a health professional.

Criminal background checks

• Official document translated into Italian.

How to register

Step 1: Check eligibility

• Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Gather documents

• Prepare all necessary documents.

Step 3: Fill in the application form

• Access the online form and fill it in accurately.

Step 4: Download documents

• Attach the required documents in PDF format.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

• Pay application fees.

Step 6: Submit your application

• Send your application online and wait for a reply

How can employers apply for the decreto flussi?

Application submission dates

For 2023 :

• Lavoratori subordinati non stagionali (from countries with cooperation agreements with Italy): from December 2.
• Other lavoratori subordinati non stagionali From December 4.
• Lavoratori stagionali from December 12.

For subsequent years :

• Lavoratori subordinati non stagionali (from countries with cooperation agreements): February 5, 2024/2025 from 9 a.m.
• Other lavoratori subordinati non stagionali February 7, 2024/2025 from 9 a.m.
• Lavoratori stagionali February 12, 2024/2025 from 9 a.m.

Online application process

• Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the Ministry of the Interior website.
• SPID access credentials are required to submit the request.

Submission responsibilities

• For the lavoro stagionale and not stagionale, it is the employers who must submit the application.
• For the lavoro autonomo and conversions, it's the person with the permesso who has to make the request.

Information and documents required

• Details of accommodation in Italy.
• Documents required to carry out the work, such as the employment contract (for lavoro subordinato e stagionale) or the licenza (for lavoro autonomo).

Processing requests

• Applications are received and examined by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione.

After submission

• If approved, request a visto (visa) from the Italian embassy or consulate.
• Once the visto has been obtained, enter Italy and apply for a residence permit.

Validity and restrictions

• The nulla osta is valid for 6 months.
• In the event of refusal, it is not possible to reapply in the same year.

Special procedures

• Applicants for international protection follow a different procedure.

Additional resources

• Information is available from the Comune immigration offices or from a patronato.
• Search the Internet for the local immigration office or patronato.

The 10 sectors with the highest chances of obtaining an Italian work visa in 2024

In 2024, Italy, faced with labor shortages in various fields, offers increased opportunities for foreign workers. Here are the 10 sectors with the highest chances of obtaining a work visa in Italy:

1. Health Care : With growing demand for professionals such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.
2. Social services Growing sector requiring specialized skills to support the community.
3. Science & Technology Dynamic areas with high demand for specialized skills.
4. Engineering and Construction : Constant need for qualified professionals in infrastructure projects.
5. Hospitality A key sector for the Italian economy, particularly in tourist areas.
6. Mathematics and Computer Science : Strong demand for specialists in an increasingly digitized world.
7. ICT technicians Increasing importance of technological skills in all sectors.
8. Engineers Need for professionals to innovate and maintain competitiveness.
9. Engineering technicians Crucial role in supporting infrastructure and innovation.
10. Qualified construction personnel Essential skills for infrastructure development and maintenance.