The Flow Decree and its role in regulating the entry of foreigners into Italy

Italy, like many other nations, regulates the entry of foreign citizens into its borders through various legislative instruments. 

One of the main instruments in this context is the Decreto Flussi. This measure represents a cornerstone in the Italian government's immigration policy, and is renewed annually.

The Flow Decree establishes, each year, the precise number of places available for the entry of foreign citizens into Italy. 

These positions are distributed according to the different types of work: subordinate, self-employed and seasonal. 

This division allows for a more accurate and targeted management of immigration, ensuring that the needs of the Italian labor market are met and that there is a balance between labor supply and demand.

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Reflection on the latest Flow Decree and its implications

The latest Flow Decree, relating to the year 2022, was approved with a Prime Ministerial Decree dated 29 December 2022 and subsequently published on 26 January 2023. 

The approval of this decree reflects the Italian government's careful assessment process in determining the country's labor needs, considering both job opportunities and the current economic situation.

Forecasts for the 2023 Flow Decree: an in-depth analysis

But what awaits us in 2023? According to the available information, the new Flow Decree for 2023 foresees a total of 136.000 entries. 

This number, though only one figure, tells a much broader story of Italy's workforce aspirations and priorities.

Job sectors that will see an influx of foreign workers include professions such as electricians, plumbers, figures specialized in the family and social health care sectors such as the housekeepers and carers. 

There will also be a demand for skilled workers in the passenger transport, particularly for those who operate buses, and for workers in the fishing sector. 

These choices clearly reflect the areas where Italy sees a greater need for manpower.

But it is not just about new sectors. In fact, the decree will also confirm the presence of sectors already present in the previous decree. 

These include the third-party haulage sector, construction, hotel tourism, mechanics, telecommunications, food industry and shipbuilding. 

This underlines the continuing importance of these sectors for the Italian economy.

The legislative path of the 2023 Flow Decree

The Flow Decree, like all other decrees, must follow a very specific legislative path. After its drafting, it is sent to Parliament for analysis and approval by the two Chambers. On July 20, 2023, the draft of this decree was presented to Parliament, marking a fundamental step in its process.

An entrepreneur interested in hiring a foreign worker through the Flow Decree must follow a well-defined procedure. Here is an overview of this procedure:

  • 1. One-Stop Shop for Immigration: First of all, the entrepreneur should contact the Immigration Office of his/her province. This office manages all the administrative procedures for the entry, stay and employment of foreign workers.
  • 2. Work Residence Contract: The entrepreneur must submit a request for a work permit, proposing a residence contract for subordinate or self-employed work in favor of the foreign citizen. The contract must indicate the type of work, duration, remuneration and other conditions provided for by Italian law
  • 3. Publication of the Flow Decree: After the publication of the Decreto Flussi, entrepreneurs can start submitting applications for hiring foreign workers. The submission usually takes place online through a system managed by the Ministry of the Interior.
  • 4. Waiting Times: Once the application has been submitted, the company will have to wait for the approval of the work permit by the One-Stop Shop for Immigration. If approved, the permit is valid for six months
  • 5. Entry Visa: Once the nulla osta has been obtained, the foreign worker must go to the Italian embassy or consulate in his/her country of origin to request a work entry visa. With the nulla osta and other required documents, the worker can obtain the visa. Our company deals with providing the Bank Guarantee and Health Insurance to obtain the Visa for Italy
  • 6. Entry into Italy: Once the visa is obtained, the worker has a period of time (usually six months) to enter Italy. After his arrival, within 8 working days, he must sign the residence contract at the Immigration Desk and undergo a training meeting on the Italian language and culture
  • 7. Residency permit: Once in Italy, the foreign worker must also request a residence permit. This is issued based on the duration of the employment contract.
  • 8. Renewal: If the employer and the employee are interested in continuing the employment relationship after the end of the contract, they can request the renewal of the residence permit, always following the established procedures.

It is important to note that the procedure may vary depending on the specific needs of the worker or company, as well as on legislative or regulatory changes. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a specialist or to inquire directly at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione to have updated and specific details on the procedure to follow.

Submitting Applications for 2023

With the official publication of the Flow Decree, the period in which foreign citizens can submit their applications will also begin. 

These can be sent starting from the 63rd day following its official publication, or from the 62nd day for requests from countries with which there are cooperation agreements on migration matters.

This time gap between the publication and the opening of applications provides an opportunity for applicants to prepare adequately, and for the Italian authorities to manage and organize the process efficiently.

The Flow Decree is an example of the complexity and importance of immigration management in Italy. 

Through this tool, the country tries to balance its labor needs with the opportunities it offers immigrants. 

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