Skip to content Sviluppo Lavoro Italia S.p.A., under the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027 and on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, has launched a call for proposals to implement pre-departure vocational and civic-language training programs for approximately 300 citizens from Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Uzbekistan. The initiative is part of Italy’s strategy to promote legal migration channels and skilled labor mobility.
Why it is important
The intervention aligns with EU pre-integration approaches under the AMIF 2021-2027 framework, aiming to strengthen the skills of third-country nationals before arrival in Italy. The objective is to help people access employment opportunities, support their integration into the labor market, and improve the match between job demand and supply by reducing skills gaps at an early stage.
Connection with the immigration procedure
The link with the immigration procedure concerns the entry channel for foreign workers trained abroad, provided for by Article 23 of the Italian Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree No. 286/1998). Third-country nationals who complete vocational and civic-language training programs approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies may be hired in Italy through an application for work authorization (nulla osta) submitted by the employer to the Single Immigration Desk, outside the annual Decreto Flussi quotas. Therefore, the call operates at the preliminary stage of the pathway. Namely, in the pre-departure training and inclusion in the lists of trained workers, which may then allow the subsequent work authorization, entry visa, and residence permit for subordinate employment process to be initiated.
Training and project activities
The call provides for the selection of implementing organizations responsible for delivering integrated training programs in the countries of origin. Activities must include basic civic and language training, vocational training tailored to the needs of the Italian labor market, and orientation and job support services. Authorities give special attention to sectors facing labor shortages.
Eligible applicants and project implementation
Eligible applicants include public and private organizations with proven experience in training and international project management. Projects must be implemented together with local partners in the target countries and must be fully aligned with the objectives of the AMIF 2021-2027 program.