In response to escalating labor shortages, Germany and Italy have announced significant expansions to their work visa programs for 2025, aiming to attract more foreign workers across various sectors.

Germany's Initiatives

Germany plans to increase its issuance of work visas by 22,422, bringing the total to approximately 200,000 in 2025. This 10% increase follows the success of the Skilled Immigration Act, which facilitated the entry of over 177,000 skilled foreign workers in 2023. Read more on Schengen News.

To further streamline the immigration process, Germany has introduced the Opportunity Card, allowing skilled workers to work in the country with only basic German language proficiency. Additionally, the application process is becoming more digitized to expedite approvals. These measures aim to fill the over 400,000 vacancies in skilled professions, crucial for the nation's economic sustainability. For details, visit Travel Daily Media.

Italy's Measures

Italy is set to increase its work visa quota by 10,000, totaling 165,000 visas for 2025, up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023. This expansion is part of a three-year plan targeting sectors experiencing significant labor shortages.

The plan includes issuing 93,550 visas for seasonal workers in 2025, an increase from 89,050 in 2024. These visas primarily support the agriculture and hospitality sectors, which are heavily reliant on seasonal labor.

Implications

Both countries are implementing these changes to mitigate labor shortages and support economic growth. By simplifying immigration procedures and expanding visa quotas, Germany and Italy aim to attract the necessary workforce to sustain and develop their economies.

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