On December 1, 2025, Law No. 179/2025 was published in the Official Gazette No. 279. The provision converts into law, with some amendments, Decree-Law No. 146 of October 3, 2025, on urgent provisions on the regular entry of foreign workers and citizens, as well as on the management of immigration. Decree-Law No. 146/2025 was published in the Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) on October 3, 2025, and entered into force on October 4, 2025. Decree-laws must be converted into law within 60 days or they automatically lapse; during the conversion process, Parliament may amend the provisions (see here for the key changes introduced by means of the Decree-Law – 146/2025.
Below are the key amendments which have been introduced during the conversion process
- The special provision that allows up to 10,000 foreign workers per year (to be employed specifically to assist elderly individuals over 80 years old or persons with disabilities), to enter the country outside the standard immigration quotas, has been extended until 2028. Furthermore, the provision now includes babysitters to be employed to take care of children from birth to six years old. It is to be noted that the work permit application in this cases has to go through authorised employment agencies or employers’ associations.
- The deadline for the employer to confirm the work permit (nulla osta) upon the worker applying for the visa has been extended from seven to fifteen days.
- The deadline for the employer and the employee to sign the contract of stay upon the worker’s entry with the visa has been extended from eight to fifteen days.
