Italy will issue an additional 10,000 work visas next year for people wishing to care for the elderly and disabled, the government announced on Wednesday. This move aims to address the country's growing need for caregivers, driven by its ageing population and declining birth rate. The new visa quota will supplement the 452,000 work visas already allocated for the 2023-2025 period.
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has adopted various policies to control illegal immigration while increasing legal pathways due to the country's labour shortages.
Italy has long struggled with a shortage of caregivers for its elderly and disabled citizens. Charitable organisations, including the Sant'Egidio Catholic group, have lobbied for years to expand caregiver visa numbers, news agency Reuters reported.
According to the Italian government, the country’s ageing population and low birth rate have created an urgent need for more foreign workers in this sector. The latest figures show that there are around 3.2 million third-country nationals (TCNs) residing in Italy. Of these, approximately 2.4 million are currently employed, representing over 10% of the country's workforce. Sectors like personal and collective services, agriculture, hospitality, and construction are particularly reliant on these foreign workers. Italy needs approximately 280,000 new foreign workers annually to maintain a stable workforce, particularly in sectors such as caregiving, construction, and hospitality.
The extra 10,000 visas will be part of the country’s broader effort to meet workforce needs in the coming years.
"In Italy, the average salary for caregivers is approximately €24,814
per year, with an hourly wage of around €12. The salary range typically falls between €18,908 and €28,809, depending on experience and location. Entry-level caregivers tend to earn on the lower end, while more experienced caregivers can earn higher wages. For those working in cities like Milan, the salary can be slightly higher, with some professionals earning up to €26,820 annually," according to ERI Economic Research Institute.
