Schengen country opens nearly 500,000 jobs: What trades for Tunisians?

Italy is set to launch a significant program to open its labor market to foreign nationals, with the new "Decreto Flussi 2026-2028" planning for the entry of 497,550 non-EU workers over three years. This initiative, published by Italian authorities, could create opportunities for Tunisian citizens in various sectors facing labor deficits. The plan allocates 164,850 entries for 2026, 165,850 for 2027, and 166,850 for 2028. These quotas cover seasonal and non-seasonal salaried jobs, as well as some self-employed positions, responding to the Italian economy's growing need for workers.

The Italian government frames this measure as a tool for promoting legal and controlled professional immigration while meeting business demands. Key sectors experiencing worker shortages include agriculture, tourism, hospitality, family assistance, transport, and logistics, alongside certain industrial roles and high-skilled tech positions. For Tunisians, this represents a new avenue into the Italian job market, particularly in high-demand fields. However, obtaining a visa is not automatic and requires adherence to Italian regulations.

Recruitment primarily involves Italian companies or employers submitting an official work permit application (nulla osta al lavoro). Applications are processed within the available quotas. Specific deadlines for submitting applications are set for 2026, varying by worker category, including agricultural and tourism seasonal jobs. Tunisia has historically been a country from which Italy recruits foreign labor. Interested Tunisian candidates must typically secure a concrete job offer from an Italian employer before starting the administrative process. This new program offers potential but requires careful preparation, including identifying target sectors, finding employers, following official procedures, and avoiding unauthorized intermediaries.