India-Italy Agreement: Extended stay for Indian students, enhanced employment opportunities  

Italy has granted Indian students an extended 12-month stay upon completion of their degrees within the country. The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a migration and mobility agreement between India and Italy, aimed at bolstering collaboration and facilitating people-to-people contacts.

As per the Flows Decree, Indian students who finish their academic or vocational training in Italy can now remain for an additional 12 months to gain initial professional experience. This agreement ensures the continuation of existing provisions, encompassing post-study opportunities, internships, and professional training.

Italy has designated quotas for both non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, with specific numerical allocations outlined for the years 2023 to 2025. The Flows Decree incorporates provisions for professional training, extracurricular internships, and curricular internships, aligning these experiences with Italian skill and training standards.

This agreement formalises collaborative efforts to enhance mobility pathways between India and Italy across various sectors. Discussions pertaining to youth mobility and the recruitment of Indian-qualified professionals in healthcare and medical services will be addressed under the Joint Working Group (JWG).

JWG will be established to monitor the agreement, convening periodically to assess implementation and discuss proposals. The JWG aims to facilitate the exchange of relevant information and ensure the successful execution of the agreement.