Italy’s seasonal work visa processing resumes for Bangladeshis amid backlogs
The Dhaka mission can now approve or reject visas only after provincial authorities in Italy grant clearance
After eight years, Bangladeshis have been eligible since 2022 for seasonal work in Italy under the Flussi Decree. The scheme for non-EU workers has driven a surge in applications at the Italian Embassy in Dhaka.
In 2024, Italy issued Law Decree No. 145, suspending all work permits granted before 22 October 2024. The Dhaka mission can now approve or reject visas only after provincial authorities in Italy grant clearance.
This clearance step has slowed processing, though over 8,000 of nearly 40,000 pending cases are resolved. Verification for another 20,000 potential applicants' permits and documents is set to begin soon under the Flussi Decree.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
As clearing the Nulla Osta backlog has become a priority for both governments, the matter was raised during Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi's Bangladesh visit and in talks between Italian and Bangladeshi officials earlier this year.
On 6 May, Bangladesh and Italy signed a migration cooperation memorandum. Since the suspension applies only to permits issued before 22 October 2024, hundreds who applied later have already received visas, with more expected soon.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Rome mission are in regular contact with Italian authorities. The Italian embassy has increased staff to speed up visa processing.
Delays remain due to fraudulent work permits and fake documents submitted by some applicants via unscrupulous brokers. Several related criminal investigations are ongoing in Italy.
The Italian Embassy reminded migrants that only official fees apply. Payments to intermediaries risk visa cancellation and legal action, and slow processing for genuine applicants. Those with a valid Nulla Osta are urged to be patient and avoid negative rumours.
