Pakistan Italy Work Visas 2026: 10,500 Jobs & New Travel Rules
In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough on February 25, 2026, Italy has officially announced a dedicated quota of 10,500 work visas for Pakistanis to promote legal migration pathways. The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Rome between Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi. This move is part of a broader strategy to curb irregular migration while addressing Italy’s growing demand for skilled labor.
The 10,500 Work Visa Quota
The newly announced quota is designed to provide safe and legal employment opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled workforce. Under the agreement, Italy will provide 3,500 jobs annually over the next three years (2026–2028). The labor quota is divided into two main categories:
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Seasonal Visas: Targeting the agriculture and hospitality sectors.
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Non-Seasonal Visas: Focusing on healthcare, construction, ship-breaking, and technical trades.
Italian Minister Piantedosi emphasized that this initiative reflects growing trust in the professional competence of Pakistani workers. The move is expected to significantly boost remittances and provide a dignified alternative across the Mediterranean.
Visa-Free Entry for Diplomats
 At the request of Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Italy has agreed to exempt Pakistani diplomatic passport holders from Italian visa requirements. This decision aims to facilitate smoother diplomatic engagement and official exchanges between the two nations. Strengthening a relationship that has spanned over 75 years.
Crackdown on Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking
The meetings in Rome also served as a platform to address security concerns. Naqvi briefed the Italian and Greek interior ministers on Pakistan’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward human smuggling. Key highlights from the security talks include:
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Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring at Pakistani airports and maritime borders has led to a “significant reduction” in illegal crossings.
 Pakistan and Greece have agreed to form a joint working group to share intelligence and combat trafficking networks. -
Transnational Crime: Both Italy and Pakistan agreed to sign a migration cooperation agreement that had been pending for two years, focusing on curbing narcotics and organized crime.
Police Khidmat Markaz Global
A notable moment during the briefing involved officers from the Punjab Police, who presented the success of the Police Khidmat Markaz Global initiative. This digital service platform, which assists overseas Pakistanis with police character certificates and other documentation, received high appreciation from the Italian side for its transparency and efficiency.
As Pakistan strengthens its ties with European partners like Italy and Greece, the focus remains on replacing “risky journeys” with “skilled mobility.” This 2026 agreement marks a pivotal shift in how the two countries manage their shared interests in labor, security, and migration.
