Italy plans to issue about 165,000 work visas via its Decreto Flussi scheme, with an additional 10,000 visas allocated for caregivers.
Germany aims to attract 400,000 skilled workers annually via its expanded Skilled Immigration Act and the new Chancekarte point-based system.
The surge in the demand for immigrants was attributed to the looming demographic crisis and critical labour shortages, prompting both countries to raise work visa numbers in 2025.
The demand for foreign labour spreads across critical sectors including healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and hospitality, allowing international workers to relocate to Europe.
Experts believe the two countries’ decision to increase work visa issuance is due to demographic changes and market challenges.
The countries are reportedly battling a decline in birth rates and an ageing population, leading to skilled labour shortages.
The shift has led to policy changes to attract foreign talent to sustain economic growth and maintain important services.
Meanwhile, the Italian government raised its foreign worker decree to 452,000 work visas for two years, with 165,000 planned for this year.
The quota covers seasonal and non-essential employment industries facing acute labour declines.
Also, an extra 10,000 work visas were approved in October last year for caregivers, showing the growing need for elderly care.
Germany also introduced the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020, expanding it last year.
According to a BusinessDay report, Germany’s Opportunity Card, a point-based immigration system, will facilitate skilled worker visa entry without a job offer.
Europe’s biggest economy, Germany, hopes to attract about 400,000 foreign workers annually to address critical job gaps.
TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that the Czech authorities launched a new portal to attract foreign workers.
A report disclosed that the plan aligns with the European Institute for Innovation and Technology’s Deep Tech Talent Initiative, seeking to raise about one million people in deep tech fields by 2025.
The country is actively seeking to invite foreign professionals with skills and ambition to contribute to its economy.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
