Italy Braces for 72-Hour Transport Chaos as National Air and Rail Strikes Loom
One in Four New Hires in Italy Is a Foreign National, CGIA Report Finds
ITA Airways Pre-Emptively Cancels 55 Percent of Flights Ahead of 26 February Walk-Out
Latest News
Frontex Partnership Sparks Protest at Turin’s Polytechnic University
Regional paper l’Adige reports that activists picketed Turin’s Politecnico on 21 Feb 2026, accusing the university of aiding Frontex in surveillance that targets Mediterranean migrants. The protest underscores growing reputational risk for academic–industry partnerships linked to EU border control technologies.
Italy Divides 43,300 Non-Seasonal Work-Permit Quotas Among Regions for 2026
Italy has formally distributed the 43,300 non-seasonal work permits available for 2026, assigning exact quotas to each region under Directive 531. Twenty-five thousand permits go to workers from 40 partner countries and 18,000 to countries that clinch new migration accords during the year; 300 are reserved for refugees. Employers can file sponsorships on the ‘ALI’ portal immediately, but unused quotas may be re-allocated mid-year. The clarification helps HR departments finalise recruitment plans and signals where shortages may still arise.
‘Click-Day’ for Carers Overruns: 49,000 Requests Chase 13,600 Home-Care Visas
Demand for Italy’s 2026 home-care work visas has outstripped supply within 48 hours: 49,000 online requests were filed against 13,600 slots, reviving debate over the ‘click-day’ race. The scramble affects families, live-in carers and international employees who depend on domestic help, and may push some to seek alternative visa channels or private services.
Italian Consulates Resume Visa Issuance After Week-Long VIS Shutdown
Italian consular sections worldwide are issuing visas again after a 12-18 February VIS system shutdown. While priority is being given to time-sensitive cases, residual backlogs mean new appointments may be delayed, affecting business travel plans. The upgrade is a stepping stone toward forthcoming EES and ETIAS requirements.
Embassy Issues Last-Minute Reminder: UK ETA Mandatory from 25 February
The Italian Embassy in London has urged Italian citizens and EU residents to secure a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before the 25 February enforcement date. From that day, carriers will refuse boarding to travellers without an approved ETA, potentially disrupting last-minute business trips.
Nationwide Aviation Strike Moved to 26 February After Olympic Ban – Travellers Brace for Disruption
Unions have rescheduled a nationwide aviation strike to 26 February, days after the Winter Olympics close. Airlines must release amended timetables by 22 February, and business-travel planners are urged to prepare alternative routings as cancellations are expected at Rome, Milan and Venice airports.
Italy Launches Data Hub to Combat Labour Exploitation of Migrant Farmworkers
Italy’s anti-gang-master task-force has approved a nationwide information system to fight labour exploitation in agriculture. The database will identify high-risk areas, speed up residence permits for victims and add supply-chain scrutiny for companies sourcing Italian produce.