Two Countries Set to Increase Work Visa Issuance for Foreign Workers in 2025
Key Takeaways
- Germany and Italy plan to issue significantly more work visas for foreign workers in 2025.
- Germany will add 22,422 work visas, while Italy will increase its issuance by 10,000.
- These measures aim to address labour shortages across various industries.
Germany and Italy Take Steps to Address Labour Shortages with Increased Work Visas
To combat persistent labour shortages, Germany and Italy are implementing measures to attract more foreign workers. Both countries are expanding their work visa programs and introducing additional policies to ease access for skilled migrants.
Germany to Issue 22,422 Additional Work Visas in 2025
Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act continues to yield positive results, with over 177,000 visas issued to foreign skilled workers in 2023. This number is projected to increase by 10%, reaching 200,000 in 2024. The Opportunity Card is one of the initiatives facilitating this growth, allowing skilled workers to enter Germany with only basic language proficiency.
German authorities are streamlining the application process further, incorporating digital systems to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. With over 400,000 job vacancies in sectors requiring skilled labour, these measures aim to ensure the country’s economic stability and growth.
"We are ensuring that we attract the workers and skilled professionals our economy has urgently needed for years. These efforts are vital for Germany’s future viability," officials stated, emphasizing the success of recent policy changes.
Italy to Increase Work Visas by 10,000 in 2025
Italy is also ramping up efforts to tackle labour shortages, particularly in agriculture, hospitality, and other sectors requiring seasonal workers. The number of work visas granted to foreign workers is expected to rise to 165,000 in 2025, compared to 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023.
Under its three-year plan, Italy will increase the allocation of seasonal work visas to 93,550, up from 89,050 in 2024. Most seasonal workers fill roles in agriculture and tourism, sectors vital to the Italian economy.
By expanding visa programs, both Germany and Italy aim to ensure that businesses can meet their staffing needs and remain competitive on a global scale.