Italy will offer 30, 850 Work Visas to overseas immigrant workers in 2018

The Government of Italy has announced that 30, 850 Work Visas will be offered to Overseas Immigrant Workers in 2018. These will be available for non-EEA nationals. The allocation of visas is same that was in 2017. More than 50% of the visas are reserved for seasonal work entries.

Most of the remaining 30, 850 Work Visas are allocated for conversion of permits. This enables overseas immigrants who already possess the Italy/EU Residence Permit to change their status. They can convert this into a work permit or for self-employment.

Remaining visas are for self-employed workers and select categories of overseas nationals. This includes nationals of South America who have Italian ancestors. It also includes individuals who have completed particular training in their nation of residence.

Immigration to Italy for Work is based on a system of quota. It is fixed every year through a Decree. This decree fixes the number of work visas for each category of overseas nationals. It also decided the period during which the applications for work visas can be submitted. Permits are normally granted on the basis of first served on first arrival basis, as quoted by the Euronews.

Many categories of overseas workers are excluded from the cap and are not subject to any quotas. This includes Intra-company transfers and highly skilled Managers or Executives allocated to an Italian branch of an overseas legal entity. It also does not include Professional nurses, Interpreters, Translators, Professors, and University Lecturers.

Application forms for conversion of permits and permits allocated for a special section of overseas nationals are available from 18 January on a dedicated website. The submission starts on 23rd January.

Seasonal work visa application forms will also be available on the same website from 23rd January. The submission commences on 31 January.

If you are looking to Visit, Study, Invest, Migrate or Work in Italy, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Consultant.