In a move that signals growing cooperation between Islamabad and Rome, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has announced that Italy will offer 10,500 employment opportunities to Pakistani workers over the next three years.
The initiative marks the first time a European country has extended a structured, multi-year job quota to Pakistan, creating new pathways for skilled and semi-skilled workers seeking secure employment abroad.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson (reported by geo.tv), this agreement will allow 3,500 Pakistanis to travel to Italy annually until 2028. Jobs will be divided between seasonal and non-seasonal roles, with 1,500 positions available in farming and tourism-related seasonal work, while the remaining 2,000 positions will cater to professions that require year-round staffing.
Furthermore, the quota covers a diverse range of sectors, including shipbreaking, agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and technical services.
Indeed for many Pakistanis, this opportunity represents more than just a job — it is a chance to advance careers abroad. Welders, cooks, medical technicians, housekeepers, nursing staff, and waiters are among those who could benefit. The demand also extends to agricultural labour and roles in medical support, reflecting Italy’s need for a dependable workforce in both manual and professional fields.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain described the move as a significant milestone, stressing that the opening of Italy’s labour market could encourage other European nations to follow the same model. He expressed confidence that these opportunities would not only support families back home through remittances but also strengthen Pakistan’s reputation abroad. “Overseas Pakistanis serve as ambassadors of the country worldwide and play a backbone role in strengthening the national economy,” he remarked.
This announcement comes ahead of the second meeting of the Pakistan-Italy Joint Working Group, scheduled for February 2026 in Islamabad. The dialogue aims to deepen collaboration on labour mobility and improve bilateral mechanisms to support legal migration.
Background: A Step Toward Safer and Structured Migration
Italy’s renewed engagement with Pakistan stems from a shared interest in expanding legal migration channels while discouraging human smuggling. During a meeting in Rome on 17 September, Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Chaudhry Salik Hussain focused on advancing the Memorandum on Migration and Mobility. The agreement includes plans for training programs that better prepare workers for life abroad and strategies to tackle illegal migration routes that have long endangered vulnerable migrants.
Piantedosi reaffirmed Italy’s zero-tolerance stance on irregular migration and highlighted that countries helping curb unlawful crossings could expect increased entry quotas in the upcoming 2026–2028 period. Pakistan’s awareness campaigns against human smuggling were particularly appreciated, signaling trust and cooperation between both sides.
Decreto Flussi: Italy’s Main Route for Foreign Workers
For many aspiring migrants, Italy’s Decreto Flussi remains the most sought-after pathway to working legally in the country. It offers openings for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers, welcoming thousands of non-EU nationals every year. From agriculture and construction to hospitality and industrial labour, the system provides structured access to jobs that align with Italy’s workforce needs.
With the newly secured quota, Pakistan is expected to benefit further from this long-running program, giving more workers a legal avenue to earn and build a future abroad.
Looking Ahead
As global economies grapple with labour shortages and changing demographics, such international partnerships offer promise — not only by supporting workers seeking better livelihoods but also by strengthening economic ties between nations. If successful, this Italy-Pakistan labour corridor could become a model for future agreements with other European states.