Visas Made Easy! India-Italy Pact Opens Doors for Students and Workers

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto approval for India to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement with Italy.

This groundbreaking agreement opens the door for Indian students to enjoy temporary residence in Italy for up to one year after completing their studies, facilitating the accumulation of valuable professional experience.

Key Highlights of Migration and Mobility Agreement

Agreement Signing

The agreement, signed on November 2, marked a historic moment, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani putting pen to paper.

Facilitating Post-Study Opportunities

The agreement aims to provide Indian students with temporary residence in Italy for up to one year after completing their studies. This move opens avenues for professional experience, locking in the current Italian visa regime with specific provisions for post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training.

Tailored Opportunities for Indian Students

Indian students undertaking academic or vocational training in Italy will now have the chance to gain up to 12 months of temporary residence.

The agreement outlines provisions for professional training, extracurricular internships, and curricular internships, aligning with Italian skill and training standards.

Also Read: Italy Aims to Reduce Schengen Visa Waiting Times for Indians

Quicker Visas and More Opportunities

Skilled workers and business professionals can also rejoice. The agreement streamlines visa processes and assures India preferential access to existing Italian labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree.

Quotas for Indian workers have been secured, with 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000 non-seasonal worker spots reserved for 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively.

Additionally, seasonal worker quotas of 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 for the same period have been established, making it easier than ever for skilled Indians to find work in Italy.

Formalizing Cooperation on Visa Issues

Beyond individual opportunities, the agreement formalizes joint efforts to enhance mobility pathways between India and Italy, focusing on Youth Mobility and the Facilitation of Recruitment of Indian-qualified professionals in healthcare and medical services sectors.

This collaboration extends to fighting irregular migration, with a structured mechanism for monitoring and periodic joint working group meetings to oversee its implementation.

Strengthening India-Italy Ties

This Visa Agreement signifies a strengthening of ties between India and Italy, ensuring a streamlined and advantageous visa process for Indian students and workers.

As the agreement comes into force, it is poised to unlock new horizons of collaboration, mutual benefit, and enhanced opportunities for individuals seeking professional growth in Italy.