ROME, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government on Monday approved a new decree setting annual quotas for the admission of non-European Union (EU) workers, allowing up to 497,550 individuals to enter the country for employment over the next three years.
According to an official statement from the cabinet, the quotas will cover the period from 2026 to 2028 and include 230,550 permits for non-seasonal and self-employment, along with 267,000 permits for seasonal work in sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
The government said the decision was based on input from social partners and an evaluation of work permit applications submitted in recent years. These new quotas add to the approximately 450,000 migrant work visas issued between 2023 and 2025.
Since taking office in October 2022, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing administration has tightened measures against irregular immigration, focusing on reducing arrivals via sea routes and accelerating repatriations. Simultaneously, the government has emphasized its commitment to managing labor migration in line with Italy's economic and demographic needs.
Data from the Ministry of the Interior show that as of June 30, a total of 29,903 migrants had arrived in Italy by sea in 2025, up from 26,015 during the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, 87 migrants were rescued on Monday during a maritime operation in the Mediterranean between Tunisia and Italy, and brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa, according to local media reports.
The group, primarily from African countries including Sudan, Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal, had initially been assisted by Tunisian fishermen after their vessel encountered difficulties. The Italian coastguard later completed the rescue.
State broadcaster Rai News 24 reported that the boat had departed from Tunisia and capsized approximately 70 km off the coast of Lampedusa during the night between Sunday and Monday.
Among those rescued were ten minors. According to the coastguard, authorities believe at least five people drowned before rescuers arrived.
