In 2023, Italy experienced a substantial shift in its residence permit issuance. According to data from the Italian Institute for Statistics (Istat), the total number of residence permits granted to foreigners reached 330,730
This surge was heavily influenced by the temporary protection permits issued to Ukrainians, highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Foreigners with Regular Residence Permits
The number of foreigners holding regular residence permits in Italy stood at 3.6 million in 2023. Interestingly, the composition of these permit holders has changed, with Ukrainians now the largest foreign community in the country, surpassing traditional groups such as Albanians and Moroccans.
Increase in Family and Study Permits
In recent years, preferences have shifted. Family reunification and study permits are becoming more common, while work-related permits have seen a significant decline. This trend reflects changing migration patterns and priorities among foreign nationals in Italy.
Work Permits Nearly Halved in 2023
Sharp Decline in Employment Permits
Residence permits for employment purposes saw a drastic reduction in 2023. Only 39,000 such permits were issued, a 42.2% drop compared to the previous year. This category now represents just 11.8% of all permits issued, with only 13,000 being first-time employment permits.
Reasons Behind the Decline
Authorities attribute this decrease to a lower demand for emergency work permits, which accounted for over 70% of the total in 2022. Among the work permits issued, 13,800 were for dependent workers, while 8,200 were for seasonal employment.
Nationalities Receiving the Most Work Permits
Top Beneficiaries of Work Permits
In 2023, Indians, Moroccans, and Albanians were the top beneficiaries of work permits, with 5,783, 4,251, and 3,637 permits granted, respectively. Other significant groups included Bangladeshis (3,467) and Americans (2,196). These five nationalities alone accounted for 50% of all work permits issued that year.
• Indians: 5,783 Work Permits
• Moroccans: 4,251 Work Permits
• Albanians: 3,637 Work Permits
• Bangladeshis: 3,467 Work Permits
• Americans: 2,196 Work Permits
Family Reunification Permits on the Rise
Albanians, Moroccans, and Indians were also the top recipients of family reunification permits, while Bangladeshis and Ukrainians saw a notable decrease in these permits.
Fewer Foreigners with Regular Residence Permits
3% Drop in Regular Residence Permits
The total number of foreigners with regular residence permits in Italy fell by 3% in 2023. This decrease was particularly noticeable among Albanians, Indians, and Chinese nationals. In contrast, Bangladeshi and Egyptian nationals saw a 3% increase in their applications for regular permits.
Acquisition of Citizenship
Many Albanians and Moroccans acquired Italian citizenship, leading to a decline in their need for residence permits, as they can now live in the country without one.
Citizenship Applications Drop Slightly
A total of 213,567 individuals were granted Italian citizenship in 2023, a slight decline from the 213,716 applications approved in the previous year.
Conclusion
In 2023, significant changes reshaped Italy’s residence permit landscape. Authorities issued more temporary protection permits to Ukrainians, shifted the focus of permits being requested, and reduced employment permits. As more foreigners acquire Italian citizenship, officials expect a continued decrease in regular residence permits.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/italy-issues-330000-residence-permits-in-2023-family-study-permits-surge/
