Lahore: Italy has singled out Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as high-risk countries for migrant visa fraud. Starting in 2025, applications from these nations will face tighter scrutiny as part of Italy's effort to crack down on fraudulent entries and prevent infiltration by criminal groups.
Despite efforts to curb illegal immigration, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is ramping up legal migration to fill essential roles, especially in sectors like care-giving.
Italy is undertaking a series of immigration reforms aimed at addressing its labor shortages while tightening controls on unauthorized migration:
-
Increased migrant visas for caregivers: The government has announced an additional 10,000 visas for foreign caregivers next year, specifically targeting those who assist the elderly and disabled. This is part of a broader strategy to fill labor gaps created by an ageing population.
-
Stricter rules for NGOs involved in migrant rescues: Aircraft used by NGOs must notify authorities of their movements immediately or face penalties. This mirrors existing regulations for rescue ships that fail to coordinate with Italian officials.
-
Enhanced anti-fraud protections in the visa system: To prevent exploitation by criminal networks, Italy is introducing stronger oversight for visa applications, particularly from high-risk countries. This aims to safeguard the integrity of the visa process amidst rising demand for foreign labor.
Through these reforms, Italy is balancing its need for foreign workers with stricter measures to prevent visa abuse and unauthorized migration.