Italian visa processing worldwide to pause 12–18 February for VIS-IT system upgrade
Kuala Lumpur embassy halts Italian visa appointments 9–18 February
Australian travellers warned of VIS-IT downtime by Consulate in Adelaide
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Italy says presence of U.S. ICE agents for 2026 Winter Olympics will be strictly analytical
Interior Minister Piantedosi confirmed that ICE agents supporting the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics will work only in an intelligence capacity, reassuring businesses that border and immigration enforcement remain under Italian control and that no U.S.-style policing will occur at venues.
Gulf expats alerted as Muscat embassy adds details on February visa freeze
Italy’s Muscat embassy has published local-time details of the 12–18 February VIS system shutdown, warning Gulf residents that no biometrics or passport issuance will be possible during the period and urging early filing or rerouting via another Schengen post.
Italian government opens 9 February click-day for 2026 tourism seasonal worker quotas
Rome has confirmed that tourism companies will be able to submit pre-compiled applications for 2026 seasonal worker quotas at 09:00 CET on 9 February. Thirteen thousand of the 88,000 slots are earmarked for employer associations, and demand is expected to far exceed supply, making rapid electronic filing essential for mobility teams.
Italy faces political storm over controversial ‘remigration’ bill targeting migrants
A citizen-sponsored bill that would create an Institute of Remigration and enable mass deportations—including of naturalised Italians—has entered parliament, triggering fierce political and business backlash. Although passage is uncertain, the debate signals a shift toward harder immigration rhetoric and could translate into tighter enforcement and reputational risks for companies employing foreign staff.
Milan-Cortina Olympics security plan adds 24/7 command centre and tighter border checks
Italy has created a round-the-clock command centre to oversee Milano-Cortina 2026 security, including snipers, cyber units and—crucially for mobility managers—temporary intensification of passport and vehicle checks at rail stations and Alpine borders. Travellers and supply-chain planners should budget extra time for cross-border movements during the Games.