Italian Parliament Passes 2026 Budget—New Levies on Parcels and Wealthy Foreign Residents
Italian Consulate in Karachi Warns Applicants Against Using Intermediaries for Italy Schengen Visas
New Year’s Eve Security Measures Restrict Access to Italian City Centres and Events
Latest News
Italy’s Investor ‘Golden Visa’ Under the Spotlight as Applications Surge Ahead of 2026
Media coverage shows applications for Italy’s Investor (Golden) Visa rising sharply, drawn by relatively low investment thresholds, faster digital processing and the €100 000 flat-tax regime extended in the 2026 Budget. Mobility and tax advisers should review eligibility, biometric requirements and investment timelines to leverage this gateway to Schengen residence for executives and high-net-worth staff.
Italy opens ‘out-of-quota’ work permits for descendants of Italian emigrants
A 29 December decree lets citizens of seven countries with Italian ancestry apply for Italian work visas outside the annual quota system. Employers gain a flexible hiring channel, while diaspora talent gets a faster route to Italy after this year’s citizenship clamp-down.
ITA Airways staff announce second 24-hour strike on 29 December
Cabin and ground staff at ITA Airways staged a second 24-hour strike on 29 December, causing year-end flight cancellations and exposing lingering labour tensions following Lufthansa’s investment. Business travellers should anticipate further sporadic action in Q1-2026.
Consumer group files Antitrust complaint alleging airlines ‘pad’ scheduled flight times
Codacons filed a complaint on 29 December alleging that airlines exaggerate scheduled flight durations to dodge EU delay compensation, calling the practice unfair to consumers. If regulators act, carriers operating in Italy may have to publish more accurate times and face higher payout exposure.
Palermo airport sets all-time passenger record, plans digital upgrades for 2026
Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino Airport handled a record 9.2 million passengers in 2025 and will introduce biometric gates and a new Schengen pier in 2026, improving options for both leisure and corporate travellers to southern Italy.
Baggage-handler caught with passengers’ valuables in Catania airport raid
Police at Catania airport charged a baggage-handler after discovering valuables and foreign cash linked to luggage thefts. The incident highlights security gaps in Italian airports and may prompt tighter staff-screening rules ahead of the 2026 high season.