Italy has officially opened its labour market to Pakistani workers by allocating a total quota of 10,500 jobs over the next three years, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
Official sources said the quota will be implemented from 2026 to 2028, allowing 3,500 Pakistani workers to travel to Italy each year. Under the arrangement, 1,500 workers will be hired on a seasonal basis, while 2,000 will be employed in non-seasonal jobs annually.
A spokesperson for the ministry said the quota was approved following special efforts by the Pakistani government, particularly a formal request made by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain. Italy accepted the request and agreed to open multiple employment sectors for Pakistani workers.
According to officials, job opportunities will be available in shipbreaking, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture. Skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers will be employed in professions including welding, technical trades, cooking, restaurant services, housekeeping, nursing, medical technology, farming, and agricultural work.
The ministry spokesperson described Italy as the first European country to formally allocate a labour quota specifically for Pakistan, calling the development a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s workforce in Europe.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain termed the decision a significant milestone, saying it was welcome news for the entire nation. He said that after sustained diplomatic and technical efforts, Italian labour markets were now opening for Pakistani workers, marking an important step toward expanding Pakistan’s presence in the European labour market.
He added that the government remains committed to securing dignified employment opportunities for Pakistani workers abroad, noting that overseas Pakistanis serve as ambassadors of the country and play a vital role in strengthening the national economy through remittances.
Officials also expressed optimism that other European countries may follow Italy’s example and offer similar employment opportunities to Pakistani workers in the future.
According to the ministry, the second meeting of the Pakistan–Italy Joint Working Group on labour cooperation is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in February 2026.
