The Decreto Flussi is an Italian government program that allows foreign workers to obtain temporary work visas in Italy. This program is designed to meet the demand for labor in certain sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, construction, and tourism, where there is a shortage of qualified workers. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) looking to work in Italy, the Decreto Flussi can provide a unique opportunity to gain international work experience and build a successful career.
However, navigating the visa application process can be complex, and there are specific requirements that need to be met. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to work as an OFW in Italy through the Decreto Flussi, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and other essential information you need to know to make your dream of working in Italy a reality.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Getting a Job in Italy via the Decreto Flussi 2023
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video by the YouTube channel JHOE GLOBE. In this video, the vlogger talks about the Decreto Flussi, and how this law has opened opportunities for foreign skilled workers to land a job in Italy. The vlogger also shared some of the basic requirements and steps you need to take in order to qualify. If you want to watch the full video, then you can click on the link below:
The Italian government has announced the continuation of the Decreto Flussi program, which aims to hire foreign workers for the year 2023. The focus this year is on the agriculture and tourism sectors.
In the agriculture sector, there is a shortage of food in Europe, and Italy, with its rich land, has the potential to fill this gap. However, many Italians do not have a background in farming, which is why the country is seeking workers from abroad. The recent war in Ukraine has also affected Italy’s food supply, as many products from Ukraine are no longer available.
As for tourism, Italy is home to numerous famous tourist spots and requires an additional 100,000 workers to fill available positions. This presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking employment in Italy. The types of jobs available in the tourism sector include positions in hotels, restaurants, and places of interest.
This year’s extension of the Decreto Flussi program is a response to the high demand for workers in these sectors. So, if you are seeking job opportunities in Italy, now is the time to start searching for potential employers.
Facts About the Decreto Flussi of Italy
Here are some facts about the Decreto Flussi of Italy:
- The Decreto Flussi is an annual immigration law that regulates the entry of foreign workers into Italy.
- The Decreto Flussi sets a limit on the number of non-EU workers that can be hired for specific job sectors in Italy.
- The job sectors covered under the Decreto Flussi vary each year and typically include agriculture, construction, hospitality, and domestic care.
- The quota for non-seasonal work under the Decreto Flussi is usually higher than that for seasonal work.
- To be eligible for non-seasonal work under the Decreto Flussi, foreign workers must demonstrate that they possess specific skills that cannot be fulfilled by an Italian or EU worker.
- Non-EU workers applying for work under the Decreto Flussi must have valid health insurance and sufficient financial means to support themselves while in Italy.
- Employers in Italy must request a work permit from the competent Italian authorities for the category of worker concerned.
- The Decreto Flussi does not apply to EU citizens, who have the right to live and work in Italy under EU law.
- The application period for the Decreto Flussi typically opens in early spring and closes in early summer.
- The number of available spots under the Decreto Flussi is often oversubscribed, resulting in many applicants being rejected.
First, You Need an Employer
To take advantage of the Decreto Flussi program, it is essential to have an employer or company in Italy that is willing to hire you. While some people may be tempted to seek the help of agencies that promise to assist in finding employment opportunities in Italy, it is important to be cautious and ensure that these agencies are legitimate and safe.
In reality, there is no agency in the Philippines that can help directly with the Decreto Flussi program, as the program is a direct hiring process. This means that Italy will hire workers from outside the country directly, without the need for intermediaries.
It is the responsibility of the employers or companies in Italy to fill out the application form online and declare that they will hire workers from abroad. As a Filipino seeking employment in Italy, it is up to you to ask your potential employers if they can help their relatives, friends, or acquaintances back in the Philippines by providing them with the necessary documents and filling out the application on their behalf.
Therefore, it is crucial to approach the Decreto Flussi program with caution and to conduct thorough research to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to find a safe and legal employment opportunity in Italy.
Sanatoria
Another option for foreigners seeking to regularize their status in Italy is the Sanatoria program. This program provides an opportunity for individuals without proper documents to obtain a residence permit, which is often referred to as an amnesty.
To be eligible for the Sanatoria program, foreign nationals must already have an employer in Italy who is willing to help them. This means that they do not have to return to their home countries and can obtain permanent residence with the assistance of their employer.
The Sanatoria program provides an excellent opportunity for foreigners to legalize their status in Italy and obtain the necessary documentation to live and work in the country. However, it is essential to ensure that all requirements are met before applying for this program to avoid any issues or complications in the future.
Lavoro Subordinato
The application process for the Decreto Flussi program starts at 9:00 AM on March 27, 2023. This program allows both seasonal and non-seasonal workers to apply for work in Italy. Non-EU nationals who wish to work in Italy must apply under the employer-specified program known as “Lavoro Subordinato.”
It is important to note that citizens of non-EU countries can only access the Italian labor market if they are already legally residing in Italy and possess a regular residence permit. They must also sign a residence contract with their employer and meet all the conditions required by law. Alternatively, if they are coming from abroad, they must apply within the quotas established by the Flow Decree.
Applying for a Seasonal Work Visa
If you are interested in applying for a seasonal work visa under the Decreto Flussi program, it is important to note that there are specific quotas set for this category. The total quota for seasonal work in 2023 is 44,000 workers, with 22,000 of those intended for seasonal agricultural work only. Additionally, 1,500 workers will be able to work for a period of three years in the framework of a multi-annual seasonal job.
The requirements for a seasonal work visa may vary depending on the category of the worker. For seasonal workers, a job offer from an Italian agricultural company or an employer in the tourism-hotel sector is necessary. Examples of job titles in the agri-food industry may include:
- Agricultural worker
- Fruit picker
- Vineyard worker
- Livestock breeder
- Fish farmer
Applying for a Non-Seasonal Work Visa
To apply for non-seasonal salaried work or self-employment under Decreto Flussi 2023, there is a total quota of 30,105 workers in job sectors such as the following:
- Road transport
- Construction
- Tourism
To be eligible for non-seasonal work, you will need to do the following:
- Provide evidence of specific expertise
- Show that your skills cannot be fulfilled by an Italian or EU worker.
- Demonstrate that you have valid health insurance and sufficient financial means to support yourself in Italy.
These requirements are in addition to meeting the general immigration and visa requirements for non-EU nationals seeking work in Italy.
How to Apply for Italy’s Work Visa
If you’re considering applying for a work visa in Italy under the Decreto Flussi, it’s important to follow a step-by-step guide to ensure that you have everything you need. The first step is to check the eligibility criteria for the visa category you’re interested in and make sure that you have all the required documents.
Next, you need to find an Italian employer who is willing to hire you and provide you with a job offer. This job offer is a core requirement of your intended work visa and must be included in your visa application. To find job opportunities, you can explore private and official job portals such as ClicLavoro, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, Jooble.org, Job by doo, Torino Comune, Informagiovani, and Bakeca.
Once you’ve secured a job offer, your Italian employer must request a work permit from the relevant Italian authorities for the category of worker you fall under. You’ll also need to take out health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Italy.
Before submitting your visa application, you’ll need to prepare a range of documents, including your passport, photo ID, a copy of your employment contract, proof of your health insurance, a criminal record certificate, and more.
Finally, you can submit your visa application to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. Keep in mind that the visa process can take several weeks or even months for the Italian authorities to review your application and make a decision. With these steps in mind, you can navigate the work visa application process in Italy with greater ease.
The following is a summary of the steps you should take to apply for a work visa in Italy under the Decreto Flussi:
- Check if you are eligible for a job in Italy
- Find a job in Italy, e.g. find an employer or a company that is willing to hire you.
- Apply for a work permit from the employer
- Get a health insurance
- Prepare the documents you need to get a work visa
- Submit all relevant documents to the Italian embassy or consulate in the Philippines
Here are some of the websites you can visit where you can find jobs in Italy under Decreto Flussi:
- ClicLavoro
- Ministry of labor and social policies
- Jooble.org
- Job by doo
- Torino Comune
- Informagiovani
- Bakeca
How to Convert a Residence Permit into a Work Permit
If you currently hold a residence permit in Italy and wish to convert it into a work permit, there are certain steps you need to take. Here are the most crucial steps:
- Have a signed residence contract proposal from your employer at the time of your appointment at the Sportello Unico.
- This proposal should outline the commitment of your employer to hire you as a non-EU foreign worker.
- Once this proposal is in place, the system will generate a Mandatory Hiring Communication and send it electronically to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies.
By following these steps, you can successfully convert your residence permit into a work permit in Italy.
In conclusion, working as an OFW in Italy through the Decreto Flussi can be a viable option for those seeking employment opportunities in the country. By checking your eligibility, finding an Italian employer, and preparing the required documents, you can increase your chances of obtaining a work visa and starting a new chapter in your career. It’s also worth noting that the Decreto Flussi has quotas and specific requirements that change every year, so it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date on any updates or changes. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to work as an OFW in Italy through the Decreto Flussi and wish you the best of luck in your journey.