DL 146/2025: the Chamber approves the bill – new provisions on family reunification and employment while awaiting conversión

The Chamber of Deputies has given the green light to the bill converting DL 146/2025, the measure introducing urgent provisions for the regular entry of foreign workers, the management of migration flows, and the strengthening of tools against exploitation. With the Chamber’s approval, the text now moves to the Senate for the final conversion phase.

The decree, already in force since 4 October 2025, aims to bring greater order and transparency to the entry system by simplifying certain procedures and making the planning of migration flows more effective—an issue of central importance both for businesses and for foreign nationals applying for a visa for Italy or seeking to obtain or renew a residence permit.

Simplifications for workers trained abroad and new preliminary checks

Among the amendments introduced during the Chamber’s review are simplifications for the entry of workers trained abroad. Procedures will be more streamlined, facilitating the matching of supply and demand for skilled labour. Furthermore, the system for verifying nulla osta applications is strengthened: the National Labour Inspectorate will be able to carry out preliminary checks on pre-filled applications, reducing the risk of improper or irregular submissions.

This goes hand in hand with the now permanent introduction of pre-filled applications and the limit of three applications for private employers operating without authorised intermediaries—measures already successfully tested in previous flow decrees.

Out-of-quota entry for domestic workers and new social protections

DL 146/2025 expands the possibility of out-of-quota entry for family care work. In addition to persons over 80 and individuals with disabilities, foreign workers employed in the care of children aged 0 to 6 may also be hired—a significant innovation given the growing demand for babysitters and domestic-sector workers.

At the same time, protections for victims of labour exploitation are strengthened: the duration of the relevant residence permits is standardised at one year, allowing access to the Inclusion Allowance. This measure aligns with those already provided for victims of trafficking and domestic violence.

Employment while awaiting the conversion of the residence permit

One of the most significant innovations for foreign nationals concerns the possibility—now explicitly provided for in the Consolidated Immigration Act—of working while awaiting the conversion of a residence permit. The rule clarifies a previously ambiguous point, enabling workers already present in Italy to avoid remaining inactive during the transition from one type of permit to another.

Family reunification: longer processing times for the nulla osta

Regarding family reunification, the decree extends the maximum timeframe for issuing the nulla osta from 90 to 150 days. This amendment was introduced to harmonise processing times with the growing number of applications and the reorganisation of administrative procedures. Although the extension may appear disadvantageous, the stated goal is to make the process more stable and predictable.

Conclusions

DL 146/2025 represents a comprehensive measure that seeks to balance economic needs, rights protection, and the control of migration dynamics. Pending final conversion, the text approved by the Chamber marks a step forward in the rationalisation of Italy’s migration policies, with concrete implications for employers and for foreign nationals who aspire to live and work in the country on a stable basis.

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