Skip to content On Wednesday, December 4th, the Italian Senate converted a new immigration decree, known as the “Flow Decree” (Decreto Flussi) into law. The measure, already approved by the Camera on Nov. 27, includes measures related to the management of migration flows.
The Flow Decree
Every year, the Italian government approves the “Flussi” Decrees, which establish the maximum number of foreigners who can legally enter Italy for work purposes. The Decree also establishes the procedures through which these workers can apply for permits to work and reside in the country.
Learn more about flow planning for the three-year period 2023-25.
The new decree, recently approved by Parliament, introduces a number of new features that have sparked wide debate in recent weeks.
What’s new in the Flow Decree
List of “safe” countries
One of the main changes is the inclusion in the decree of the list of 19 countries deemed “safe” by Italy. In particular, such list now includes States such as Bangladesh, Egypt and Morocco.
Contract confidentiality for border control and sea rescue activities
Another relevant measure concerns the secrecy of public contracts related to the provision of means and materials for border control and sea rescue activities.
With this rule, Italy would be able to transfer ships and patrol boats to countries such as Libya and Tunisia to control migration flows, without having to disclose the details of such operations.
Change to the legal procedure on validation of detention
Another change concerns the transfer of jurisdiction over the validation of the detention of asylum seekers. The Courts of Appeal will now deal with it, instead of the Specialized Courts. This change modifies the legal procedure regarding the treatment of migrants, speeding up the process of verifying the conditions of detention.
Deadlines for signing the residence contract
Stricter measures for the entry of foreign workers into Italy have also been introduced.
Among the changes, the text requires employers and foreign workers to sign the residence contract within eight days of the worker’s arrival in Italy. The residence contract is the agreement that allows employers and migrants to enter into an employment contract. It forms the basis for the issuance of a residence permit. If this obligation is not met, the employer risks not being able to make applications for the entry of new foreign workers for a period of three years.
To combat the phenomenon of “caporalato,” the decree introduces a special residence permit for foreign workers who are victims of labor exploitation. This permit has a duration of six months and can be renewed for another year in order to provide the exploited worker with legal assistance and, if necessary, health care.
Find out more about the operational arrangements under the 2025 Flow Circular.
UPDATE: The new Decreto Flussi (Legislative Decree 145/2024) has been published. For more information on the amendments to the Consolidated Immigration Act, read our article on the Flow Decree 2025.