JANUARY 2026 © 2026, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / World Bank 1818 H Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20433, United States of America Phone:(202) 473-1000 Web Page:www.worldbank.org E-mail:feedback@worldbank.org All rights reserved This report is the product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/ World Bank. The results, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this publication do notnecessarily reflect the opinion of the Executive Directorsof the World Bank or the governmentsthey represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in thispublication. Rights and permissions This report was prepared by the World Bank at the request of the Government of Italy, under atechnical assistance engagement. It is classified as Confidential and intended solely for the use ofthe Government of Italy. The information contained herein maynot be disclosed, circulated, orpublished without the prior written consent of the Government of Italy. The World Bank will notdisclose this report or its contents to any third party unless expressly authorized in writing by theGovernment of Italy. TheGovernment of Italy retains full discretion regarding the publication orwider distribution of this report. The World Bank requests that the Government of Italy identify any confidential information orconcerns regarding disclosure. The Bank may adjust the report to address these concerns orrestrict disclosure entirely, in accordance with its Access to Information Policy and operationalprocedures. CONTENTS Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................5Abbreviations........................................................................................................................6Executive Summary.............................................................................................................10Analytical Framework.......................................................................................................11Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations..............................................................121. Introduction.....................................................................................................................171.1 Global Skill Partnership for International Labor Mobility: A Triple-Win Opportunity........171.2 Scope of the Institutional Assessment.........................................................................212. Diagnostic Framework......................................................................................................242.1 Policy Pillars and Phases of Labor Mobility...................................................................242.2 Focus of Study............................................................................................................292.3 Research Tools...........................................................................................................303. Labor Market and Immigration Trends in Italy....................................................................333.1 Labor Shortages and Demand for Foreign Workers.......................................................343.2 Talent attraction gaps and occupational segmentation................................................354. The Ecosystem of International Labor Mobility in Italy........................................................384.1 Legal Framework and Authorizing Environment in Italy.................................................384.2 Overview of Institutional Arrangements.......................................................................475. Pillar I: Facilitating Access................................................................................................615.1 Assessing Labor Demand for Migrant Workers.............................................................615.2 Identifying and Matching Vacancies for Migrant Workers..............................................675.3 Financing Training and Mobility....................................................................................755.4 Enhancing Migrant Worker Entry Approval....................................................................806. Pillar II: Furthering Access................................................................................................846.1 Pre-Departure Standards Alignment and Skills Training................................................846.2 Recognizing Qualifications and Skills in Italy................................................................887. Pillar III—Fortifying Access...............................................................................................947.1 Activating Integration Services and Networks...............................................................947.2 Enhancing Integration Through Continuous Language Learning, Labor Market Inclusion,and Housin