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Italy eases temporary work Visa process for foreign workers

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The Italian government is taking steps to simplify the process for foreigners seeking temporary work visas.

This is in effort to meet labour market demands as the country is reported to be facing a shortage of skilled workers.

The government plans to increase the number of days each year when applications are accepted.

By expanding the number of days available for visa applications, referred to as “Click Days,” the government aims to better align the visa process with the needs of employers seeking qualified workers.

According to TravelBiz’s recent report, these changes are set to address the growing need for foreign labour in Italy, as current quotas and deadlines have proven ineffective.

The government intends to create a more flexible system that focuses on the actual needs of the labor market.

Reports relate that the proposed changes come in response to the challenges faced by employers in finding qualified candidates.

According to TravelBiz, Secretary of Cgil, Maria Grazia Gabrielli, said, “We need to move away from the limited ‘click day’ system. A new approach should align with the real needs of the country.”

By shifting away from a limited application system and strict quotas, the government is looking to create a more flexible and ongoing application process for work visas, making it easier for foreign workers to fill job vacancies in the country.

No Changes For Bossi-Fini Law  

Despite recognizing the need for adjustments, the government, according to reports, will not modify the Bossi-Fini Law.

The Bossi-Fini Law, is an Italian immigration law that governs the entry and residency of foreign nationals in Italy.

The law was enacted to address concerns about immigration and labour market stability.

TravelBiz reports that this law requires that third-country nationals secure a job offer before entering Italy. Key provisions include:

  • Stricter requirements for residence permits for foreign workers and their families.
  • Mandatory job offers for non-EU nationals to work in Italy.
  • Increased powers for authorities to deport undocumented migrants.
  • Penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers.

Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano indicated that the government will soon present a decree outlining these adjustments to the Council of Ministers.

Tackling Visa Fraud and Criminal Exploitation 

Concerns about fraudulent practices and organized crime exploiting the visa system have also prompted the government to revise the application process, according to reports.

There have also been reports of companies requesting more workers than needed, and issues regarding foreigners entering the country with work visas but failing to secure employment.

Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that criminal gangs are abusing seasonal work visas. She mentioned reports of visas being resold for as much as $15,000, particularly affecting Bangladeshi nationals. This situation underscores the need for stricter oversight in the visa application process.

Addressing Labor Market Needs through Visa Reforms 

Reports provide that the Italian labour market requires significant changes to better accommodate foreign workers. Hence by extending the application period for temporary work visas and implementing stricter oversight measures, the government is determined to meet market demands while curbing misuse and illegal activities.

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UBA GMD calls for public-private partnership to accelerate economic growth

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Oliver Alawuba, group managing director (GMD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of United Bank for Africa (UBA), has called for public-private partnership (PPP) to accelerate economic growth.

Alawuba spoke on December 20 during the launch of the newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, refurbished by UBA.

According to a statement on Sunday by the bank, the project, which signifies a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, shows UBA’s commitment to national development, highlighting the immense value of strategic PPPs.

The ceremony was attended by stakeholders, including Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, and Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Alawuba commended the collaboration that led to the execution of the project, emphasising the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he said.

“Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

“The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

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Petrol to sell at N935/litre from today, says IPMAN

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell at N935 per litre beginning from Monday (today) based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide, incurring a cost of N36 on logistics.

“Dangote refinery has brought another new arrangement of loading and pricing by which marketers would pay a fixed ex-depot price of N899.50k.

“The refinery is running a programme whereby it wants the fuel consumption across the country to be at the same rate. We are expecting the new arrangement to kick-start on Monday. Previously, the loading price was N970 per litre, but from Monday, petrol prices will drop to N935,” Garima stated.

The association also stated that over 30,000 of its members are set to commence petrol loading from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Port Harcourt Refining Company following the reduction of the ex-depot price of the product to N899 per litre.

This came as it was observed that the pump price of petrol dropped on Sunday to between N950 and N980 per litre in a few filling stations in Lagos including MRS, BOVAS and NNPC. However, the cost was above N1,000 per litre in many other outlets in the state.

But IPMAN promised on Sunday that the price would drop further, as it said the cost of petrol would reduce to N935 per litre in more filling stations by Monday (today) in view of Dangote refinery’s new arrangement.

Similarly, retail outlet owners under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria have begun registration with MRS filling station to lift Dangote petrol at N935 per litre.

The IPMAN National Publicity officer, Chinedu Ukadike, and the PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed these during separate exclusive interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday.

The development came after intense pricing competition in the nation’s downstream sector, which triggered a price war between NNPCL and Dangote due to a reduction in the ex-depot price to N899 per litre.

On Saturday, the NNPCL, in a surprising development, slashed petrol prices by 12 per cent, to the delight of Nigerians and marketers.

This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement on Saturday.

Before now, petrol prices had consistently increased, causing customers to worry that the price hike might be sustained during the festive season.

The reduction in price to N935 in Lagos confirms projections by marketers and was exclusively reported by The PUNCH last Friday.

Providing further updates on the preparations for product lifting, the IPMAN publicity officer stated that marketers are getting ready to start loading petrol at a reduced price, as the national oil company has updated its pricing on the purchase portal.

Ukadike also said that the competition for market share between NNPCL and Dangote is beneficial for Nigerians because, in the end, it will reveal the true cost of PMS production and the expenses incurred in logistics.

According to him, the price war is central to a deregulated oil sector.

He said, “NNPCL has changed their price at their portal. It means that everyone who has access to that portal can be able to request and pay for products. Once you pay, you will called to the depot to pick up your products. Yes, they have changed the price on their portal.”

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NCC to draft regulatory framework for automated mobile messages

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Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman (EV) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says the agency will launch a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns in the application-to-person (A2P) messaging sector.

Maida spoke during a virtual stakeholders’ forum on the draft A2P licensing framework held on Friday.

A2P messaging is the use of a business application to send mobile messages — for marketing — via an automated process to a mobile user.

Represented by Chizua Whyte, head, legal and regulatory services at NCC, Maida said A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world.

“It has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers,” he said.

“From bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development.”

“For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information. For consumers, it guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services,” he said.

“For the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth.

“Despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.”

Maida said the gaps have led to issues “such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem”.

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