On June 30, 2025, the Italian Council of Ministers approved the new Decreto Flussi 2026-2028, a three-year legislative framework regulating the legal entry of non-EU citizens into Italy for employment purposes.
Furthermore, this decree outlines a detailed visa quota system aimed at sustaining Italy’s economic productivity while tackling irregular migration through Decreto Flussi.
As reported by the press release of the government through dottrinalavoro.it, over the three-year period 2026-2028, the authorized units will be 497,550, with the following distribution:
- non-seasonal and self-employed subordinate work, 230,550 units;
- seasonal work in the agricultural and tourism sectors, 267,000 units.
Furthermore, the quota yearly and work visa type have been divided as follows:
| Year | Non-Seasonal Work | Seasonal Work | Domestic Workers (Carers/Housekeepers) | Total |
| 2026 | 76,850 | 88,000 | 13,600 | 164,450 |
| 2027 | 76,850 | 89,000 | 14,000 | 165,850 |
| 2028 | 76,850 | 90,000 | 14,200 | 167,050 |
Objectives of the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028
The decree’s central aim is to enable planned, legal migration into Italy to meet the country’s workforce demands—particularly in sectors facing critical shortages, such as agriculture, hospitality, and caregiving.
In addition, the Flow Decree serves as a strategic tool to:
- Combat irregular immigration
- Prevent undeclared labor and exploitation
- Strengthen bilateral cooperation with the origin countries
- Promote vocational training in third countries before entry
Phasing Out the “Click Day” System
The government aims to gradually replace the outdated “click day” model—where employers race online to submit work requests on a single date. This system has been widely criticized for its inefficiency and tendency to generate irregular migration.
Instead, the new model promotes:
- Broader visa channels outside quotas
- Easier access for high-demand professional profiles
- Expanded training in origin countries to ensure better integration
Preferential Quotas for Partner Countries
A portion of the annual quota will be reserved for highly qualified workers and for citizens of countries that:
- Maintain repatriation agreements with Italy
- Collaborate in anti-smuggling campaigns
- Provide migration awareness programs to discourage irregular routes
From Application to Residence: How the Process Works
As for your understanding, here’s how a non-EU worker enters Italy legally under the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028:
- Click Day Application: Employers submit job offers online.
- Work Authorization Issued: If approved, authorization is granted.
- Visa Request: The foreign worker applies for a work visa at the Italian embassy/consulate.
- Entry and Contract Signing: Upon arrival, the worker signs a residence contract at the Immigration Desk.
- Residence Permit Issued: The worker applies for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) to live and work legally.
Mixed Reactions: Political and Public Response
While business and industry groups largely support the decree, far-right factions such as Casapound have condemned the measure, framing it as a “legalized invasion.” However, the government maintains that the decree is a strategic, data-driven approach to migration that benefits both the economy and social cohesion.