Migrant rights groups are calling for urgent changes to Italy’s work permit system, saying it is slow, unfair, and not working well. They argue that the current system leaves many migrant workers without opportunities as quotas fill up within minutes.
Tavolo Asilo e Immigrazione (TAI), a group that supports migrants and humanitarian causes, has sent a document to the Italian prime minister’s office. In this document, they describe the work permit process as “inefficient, inadequate, and dangerous” and ask for immediate reforms.
The document was sent on February 6, just before Italy’s “click days” for foreign worker applications, which took place on February 5, 7, and 12. Every year, Italy sets a limit on the number of foreign workers who can enter the country. However, TAI says these quotas are too low. On February 5, all 25,000 available spots were taken in just four minutes. The group says this system works like a “lottery,” making it unfair and leaving many migrants without work options.
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
TAI is pushing for key reforms, including:
- Letting employers hire foreign workers without strict quotas.
- Removing nationality and job sector limits.
- Introducing new ways for migrants to come to Italy for work, such as sponsorship and job-seeking visas.
- Allowing migrants to stay in Italy while searching for work if they lose their jobs.
- Giving migrants without valid permits a chance to apply for legal jobs.
- Speeding up the permit process and hiring more staff to manage applications.
- Allowing all types of residence permits to be converted into work permits.
Who Supports These Changes?
TAI’s demands are backed by several organizations, including ActionAid Italia, Amnesty International Italia, Oxfam Italia, CIR, CGIL, and many others. These groups want the Italian government to take action and create a fairer system that meets both workers’ needs and Italy’s labor demands.