Italy gives chances to non-EU workers to work in its labor market through seasonal immigration programs. The program is called Decreto Flussi counts for seasonal work in the agricultural and tourism/hotel sectors (Article 24 of the Consolidated Law). International workers from non-European countries can get a 9 months visa in this scenario and work in different sectors in Italy.
What is Decreto Flussi?
The “Decreto Flussi” (immigration flow) is issued every year and provides for the number of foreign citizens who can enter Italy to carry out non-seasonal, subordinate work, and self-employment. A special “Decreto Flussi” is envisaged for seasonal workers. “Decreto Flussi” visa system works under Legislative Decree 286/98 art. 5, 24, and 26 and DPCM flows 2008. Same to previous years, this immigration program has been announced. A quota of 44,000 units has been set aside for non-EU nationals for seasonal work.
Authorization of seasonal work permit
The authorization for seasonal work authorizes the carrying out of working activity on the national territory for up to a maximum of 9 months, in a period of 12 months.
Employers (or trade associations, on behalf of their associates) who intend to establish a seasonal employment relationship in Italy in the agricultural and tourism/hotel sectors with a non-EU citizen, must submit a nominative request at the one-stop shop for immigration in the Province of residence, with the application, to the extent compatible, of the provisions on temporary or permanent subordinate work.
The One Stop Shop for Immigration issues the permit for seasonal work, even long-term, for the duration corresponding to that of the required seasonal work, no later than 20 days from the date of receipt of the employer’s request.
If, after 20 days, the One Stop Shop for Immigration does not notify the employer of its refusal, the request is considered accepted, in the event that the following conditions are jointly met (Article 24, paragraph 6 of the Consolidated Law):
- the request concerns a foreigner who has already been authorized at least once in the previous 5 years to provide seasonal work with the same employer applying for it;
- the worker has been regularly employed by the employer and has complied with the conditions indicated in the previous residence permit.
How to find seasonal (farm worker) jobs in Italy for Decreto Flussi?
Applying for a seasonal visa
The seasonal visa duration could be of 20 days up to a maximum of 9 months. As for application for subordinate work, the employer must submit online through the website of the Ministry of the Interior a specific request for a permit to the Single Desk for immigration with territorial jurisdiction. If the worker meets the legal requirements and has returned to the entry quotas, the competent Immigration Desk calls the employer to deliver the permit and at the same time sends a copy to the Italian diplomatic representation in the country of origin or residence of the foreign worker.
At this point, the seasonal worker can go to the Italian consulate to apply for a visa. After due processing, the applicant is provided a visa type D to enter Italy. The entry visa for work is called type D – for stays longer than 90 days. Within 8 days from the date of entry in Italy, the worker must go to the one-stop shop with the employer to fill in the application forms for the residence permit for subordinate work to be sent via the post office and sign the residence contract.
Seasonal work permit extension
The seasonal work permit can be renewed and extended. This means without prejudice to the 9-month limit, the authorization for seasonal work is understood to be extended and the residence permit can be renewed in the event of a new seasonal work opportunity offered by the same or by another employer until the expiry of the new employment relationship seasonal. In this case, the worker is exempt from the obligation to return to the country of origin for the issuance of a further visa by the consular authority. At the end of the 9-month period, the worker must return to the country of origin, unless he is in possession of a residence permit issued for reasons other than seasonal work.
Priority for returning seasonal workers
According to article 24, paragraph 9, there are simplified procedures for the seasonal worker already admitted to working in Italy at least once in the previous 5 years who, in fact, has the priority right to return for seasonal work reasons to the same or another employer, compared to those who have never legally entered Italy for work reasons.
What is the SPID?
SPID is the access system that allows you to use the online services of the Public Administration and accredited private individuals with a unique digital identity. If you already have a digital identity, log in with your manager’s credentials. If you don’t have a digital identity yet, request it from one of the managers.
For creating a SPID from abroad, you need:
- an e-mail address
- the phone number of the mobile phone you normally use
- a valid Italian identity document (one of identity card, passport, driving license)
- your income tax number
How to get SPID?
To get SPID, choose one of the Identity Providers and register on their site. The registration consists of 3 steps:
- Enter your personal data
- Create your SPID credentials
- Carry out the recognition of your choice between in-person, online, or via CIE, CNS, or digital signature.