Italy and Ethiopia have formalized a memorandum of understanding for bilateral cooperation on migration and mobility.
This is a strategic agreement that aims to create tools to promote safe entry and respond to labor market needs, while fighting irregularities.
Objectives of the agreement
The memorandum of understanding was signed on October 27, 2025, between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies of the Italian Republic, on the one hand, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Skills and Labor of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, on the other.
It responds to a twofold need. On the one hand, to offer legal and safe ways of entering Italy for work purposes as an alternative to irregular migration routes, responding to the labor needs of Italian companies. On the other hand, the need to strengthen ongoing cooperation with the Ethiopian authorities to combat irregular migration and the criminal organizations responsible for human trafficking.
The agreement also focuses on collaboration on vocational training for workers in Ethiopia. The aim is to provide professional development opportunities for Ethiopian workers through programs dedicated to improving the skills and employability of local workers, with a view to possible migration to Italy.
Regular entry through the immigration quota decree
The regular entry of foreign workers into Italy follows the procedures of the quota decree, which establishes the maximum number of entries allowed.
About entries for the three-year period 2026-2028, concessions are provided for workers from countries that promote media campaigns on the risks of irregular migration, in collaboration with Italy, or that apply (or will apply) cooperation agreements with Italy.
Citizens of these countries, including Ethiopia, enjoy a preferential route.
Finally, it is worth to remind that the pre-filling of application forms for work entry authorizations is currently active. The application will remain available until December 7th, 2025, as established with joint circular No. 8047/2025. The supporting document must reflect specific characteristics, and, in some cases, include a digital signature. For more information, please check our dedicated article.
