The Italian government has given the green light to a new decree setting annual limits on the entry of non-European Union (EU) workers, paving the way for up to 497,550 individuals to be admitted for employment between 2026 and 2028.
In an official announcement on Monday, the Italian cabinet outlined that these quotas will include 230,550 permits for non-seasonal and self-employment opportunities, while 267,000 permits will be allocated for seasonal roles across key sectors like agriculture and tourism.
Authorities explained that the updated quotas were determined based on consultations with labor organizations and a thorough analysis of past work permit requests. This latest initiative builds on the nearly 450,000 work visas granted to migrant workers from 2023 to 2025.
Since Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government assumed power in October 2022, Italy has taken a tougher stance against irregular migration, tightening border controls and expediting deportations. At the same time, officials have stressed the importance of regulating legal labor migration to meet Italy’s workforce demands and demographic trends.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, 29,903 migrants had landed in Italy by sea as of June 30, 2025 — an increase compared to the 26,015 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, local media reported that 87 migrants were rescued on Monday during a maritime operation in the Mediterranean Sea between Tunisia and Italy. The group, mainly consisting of individuals from African nations such as Sudan, Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal, was initially helped by Tunisian fishermen after their boat faced difficulties. The Italian coastguard later completed the rescue, transporting the migrants to the island of Lampedusa.
According to state broadcaster Rai News 24, the vessel had departed from Tunisia but overturned roughly 70 kilometers off Lampedusa overnight between Sunday and Monday. Among those saved were ten children. Tragically, the coastguard believes at least five people drowned before rescuers reached the scene.