Islamabad, Oct 3: Italy has announced an increase of 10,000 migrant work visas for caregivers in 2025 as part of new migration rules aimed at addressing the country’s ongoing shortage of personnel to care for the elderly and disabled.
This decision comes in response to Italy’s aging population and declining birth rate, which have heightened the demand for caregivers.
The new experimental quota for caregivers adds to the previously established 452,000 work visa allocations for the period from 2023 to 2025, which already marked a significant increase of nearly 150% compared to the previous three years.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has implemented various measures to reduce illegal migration while simultaneously expanding legal immigration pathways to alleviate labor shortages.
The latest decree also includes tighter regulations on sea rescue NGOs, requiring them to promptly notify authorities of their movements while monitoring migrant boats in distress. Failure to comply could result in penalties.
Additionally, the decree introduces stricter anti-fraud measures within the migrant visa system. These measures respond to concerns that the system has been exploited by organized crime groups, including the mafia.
As a result, tougher checks will be applied starting in 2025 for visa applications from countries identified as higher risk for fraud, specifically Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
