A recent bilateral agreement between India and Italy introduces significant opportunities for Indian students pursuing academic or vocational training in Italy. Under this new agreement, Indian students who complete their academic or vocational training in Italy can extend their stay for up to 12 months to gather initial professional experience in the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ proposal to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement between the two nations received retrospective approval from the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Presently, Italy hosts a growing number of Indian students, with 5,897 currently enrolled—a marked increase from previous years. Enrollment figures show a noticeable rise from 4,791 Indian students in 2019 to a slight decline in 2020 and 2021, with 3,211 and 3,008 Indian students, respectively.
This comprehensive agreement encompasses provisions detailing opportunities for professional training and extracurricular and curricular internships, allowing Indian students to immerse themselves in Italian skill standards and training environments.
Beyond educational pursuits, the agreement extends to the employment domain. Italy has allocated specific quotas for Indian workers under the Flows Decree. This includes the provision for 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000 non-seasonal Indian workers in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively, contributing to a total reserved quota of 12,000 for non-seasonal workers.
In addition, the Italian government has earmarked quotas for seasonal Indian workers, reserving 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 positions for 2023, 2024, and 2025, forming a total reserved quota of 8,000 spots under the Flows Decree specifically for seasonal workers.
This agreement not only enhances educational prospects for Indian students in Italy but also strengthens increased opportunities for Indian professionals, affirming the growing collaboration between the two countries in the education and employment spheres.
