In a significant policy shift, the
government of Italian
prime minister Giorgia Meloni has announced plans to issue 500,000 visas for non-EU
workers over the coming years. The plan, detailed in the overlaid text of the image, outlines the issuance of 500,000 visas for non-EU nationals, likely spanning from 2026 to 2028, as a strategy to address labor shortages in Italy. This move marks a departure from Meloni’s previous hardline stance on immigration during her campaign, where she positioned herself as a defender of Italian sovereignty against uncontrolled migrant inflows.
Italy’s decision to open its doors to non-EU
workers comes amid a demographic crisis, with a shrinking native workforce and a need to sustain economic productivity. The agricultural sector, in particular, has long relied on foreign labor, and
industry groups have welcomed the policy as a pragmatic step. However, the high
youth unemployment rate—exacerbated by a protectionist labor market and regional disparities—has fueled resentment. Critics argue that prioritizing foreign
workers over domestic
job creation could deepen social inequalities and alienate a generation already facing bleak prospects.

Meloni,
leader of the right-wing Brothers of
italy party, rose to power partly on a platform of reducing illegal immigration and prioritizing Italian citizens. This visa policy has thus been seen as a surprising pivot, prompting speculation about political pressures or economic necessities overriding her ideological stance. The exaggerated depiction in the image suggests a public perception of her as out of touch or insincere, a narrative that could impact her political
capital as
elections or policy reviews approach.
The decision by PM Meloni’s
government to issue 500,000 visas for non-EU
workers represents a bold attempt to address Italy’s labor shortages, but it has opened a Pandora’s box of controversy. With
youth unemployment at 20% and public trust in leadership waning, the policy risks being seen as a betrayal of electoral promises.