The first phase of the three-year (2026–2028) “Decreto Flussi” (Flow Decree) for recruiting 500,000 foreign workers to Italy has concluded. The final “Click Day” for this stage ended on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This phase covered a quota of 164,850 workers across various sectors.
Expatriate Bangladeshis and immigration experts believe that due to stricter regulations and a more complex application process this year, the number of total applications has been lower than in previous years. This decrease in volume is expected to significantly increase the success rate for eligible applicants.
Sector-wise Quota Breakdown
In the 2026 phase, the visas were distributed across specific categories to address Italy’s labor shortage:
- Seasonal Work (Agriculture & Tourism): 88,000 slots.
- Non-Seasonal Work: 76,200 slots.
- Self-Employed (Entrepreneurs/Startups): 650 slots.
The application window opened in stages starting from January 12 and concluded on February 18. The final day saw a notable surge in applications for the domestic and family care sectors.
Stricter Regulations and Increased Success Rates
Immigration specialists noted that new requirements—particularly regarding housing certification (residence documentation) and stricter digital portal safeguards—prevented many from submitting incomplete or fraudulent applications.
“The process was significantly more rigorous this time. However, those who managed to navigate the complexities and submit correct documentation now have a higher probability of obtaining a visa than ever before,” said an immigration consultant based in Rome.
Warning Against Fraud
Authorities and community leaders have urged aspiring migrants to remain vigilant against middleman syndicates and “dalals” who might attempt to exploit the situation with false promises of guaranteed visas.
Meanwhile, preparations for the next phase are already on the horizon. The Italian government is expected to begin the pre-filling process for the next 165,000 workers by December 31, 2026.
