“Italy Grants Indian Students 12-Month Post-Degree Stay Opportunity”.

In a significant development for Indian students, Italy has announced an extension of the post-degree stay period to 12 months for those completing their studies in the country. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted retrospective approval to the migration and mobility agreement between India and Italy. This agreement, aimed at fostering people-to-people connections, facilitating student mobility, and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration, received approval as reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday.

Under the Flows Decree, the current provisions of the Italian visa regime, encompassing post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training, will be safeguarded, offering a favorable scenario for Indian students.

Key Provisions:

Extended Stay for Graduates: Indian students completing academic or vocational training in Italy can now stay for up to 12 months for their initial professional experience, enhancing opportunities for skill development and practical exposure.
Workforce Quotas: Italy has allocated annual quotas for non-seasonal Indian workers, with 5,000 for 2023, 6,000 for 2024, and 7,000 for 2025, totaling 12,000 non-seasonal worker positions. Additionally, seasonal worker quotas include 3,000 for 2023, 4,000 for 2024, and 5,000 for 2025, totaling 8,000 positions.
Incremental Quotas: The Flows Decree proposes incremental reserved quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025, providing a structured framework for employment opportunities.

The agreement not only formalizes efforts to enhance mobility pathways between India and Italy but also includes discussions on youth mobility and the facilitation of recruitment for Indian-qualified professionals in the healthcare and medical services sectors. These discussions will be addressed under the Joint Working Group (JWG), which aims to streamline collaboration in various sectors.

Moreover, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two nations to combat irregular migration. The accord is set to remain in force for five years, automatically renewing for successive periods unless any participant decides to terminate it.

To ensure effective implementation and oversight, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be formed, convening periodically in virtual or physical modes as needed. This group will monitor the agreement’s progress, share relevant information, and discuss proposals to support its successful implementation. The agreement, signed on November 2, 2023, with the Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, and the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Shri Antonio Tajani, signifies a collaborative effort to strengthen ties between the two countries in the realms of education and employment.