Italy offers 10,500 work permits to Pakistani workers, 3,500 annually

Islamabad: Italy has allocated up to 10,500 work permits for Pakistani workers until 2028 under a labour mobility agreement, opening thousands of legal job opportunities in Europe while Pakistan puts in place a new system aimed at preventing fraud, favouritism and exploitation.

The Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, told the National Assembly that Pakistan and Italy had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Labour Mobility to promote safe, legal and regulated movement of workers.

Under Italy’s Decreto Flussi programme, about 10,500 work permits have been allocated for Pakistani workers up to 2028. The expected annual share is around 3,500 workers, although the final number each year will depend on quota notifications from the Italian government.

The jobs are not limited to one field. Opportunities can come from agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transport, hospitality, logistics, mechanics, telecommunications, shipbuilding, food processing, fishing, crafts and healthcare related services.

The government said the programme is employer driven. This means Italian employers choose the workers and submit applications electronically to Italian authorities during special application periods known as Click Days. Pakistani authorities do not decide who receives an Italian work permit.

Pakistan is now creating a wider system to ensure genuine skilled workers can benefit from the opportunity. The Ministry said a high level Inter Institutional Committee has been formed with officials from the Ministry, the Overseas Employment Corporation, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment and the Community Welfare Attaché in Italy.

The committee will oversee the programme, watch its progress and improve coordination between Pakistani and Italian institutions.

The government also plans to work directly with Italian employers and business groups. It will use Government to Government and Business to Business engagement to create more job demand for Pakistani workers. Licensed overseas employment promoters will also be allowed to build direct links with Italian employers.

Officials said foreign job demands will be checked under Pakistan’s existing emigration rules before workers are sent abroad. Digital registration, online processing and public awareness campaigns are also being strengthened to reduce delays and confusion for applicants.

The government said the Pakistan Italy Joint Working Group will remain the main platform for solving problems and improving cooperation under the labour agreement.

A major part of the plan is to prevent people from being cheated. Officials said only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters and approved public sector channels can take part in recruitment.

Foreign job demands and employment contracts will be checked before applications move forward. Workers will also have to complete the required Protector registration and emigration clearance process.

The government said workers will be informed about their approved job contracts, wages, accommodation and other employment conditions before leaving Pakistan.

Complaint systems are also available through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, Protectorates of Emigrants and Pakistan’s Mission in Italy. These channels are meant to give workers a place to report problems and seek help.

The Ministry further said action would be taken against illegal agents and fraudulent recruitment practices. Records of employers and workers will be maintained and recruitment activities will be monitored.

To increase the number of genuine skilled workers who can qualify for the Italian jobs, Pakistan is also working on a verified database of skilled workers. The database will involve the Overseas Employment Corporation, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, NAVTTC, TEVTAs and other technical training institutions.

The government said training and certification will be matched with the needs of the Italian labour market. Language preparation will also be encouraged so workers can better understand their jobs and working conditions.

Digital systems are being strengthened to track applications, work permits, visas, emigration clearances and worker departures. Regular meetings will be held to review progress and solve problems.

The Ministry said progress reports covering job placements, employer engagement and implementation will continue to be submitted to the relevant authorities, including the National Assembly.

The government also plans awareness campaigns warning people against illegal migration and unauthorised recruitment.

The question and the minister’s reply were laid before the National Assembly during its 29th session.