Italian Consolidated Immigration Law: amendments to Article 27 quater 

On 16 October 2023, the Italian Council of Ministers approved Italian Legislative Decree no. 152/2023, which implements EU Directive 2021/1883 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals (or stateless persons) for the purpose of highly qualified employment. The Decree, published in the Italian Official Gazette on 2 November 2023, amends Article 27 quater of Italian Legislative Decree no. 286/1998 (the so-called “Consolidated Immigration Law”), introducing important changes on the entry and residence of highly qualified foreign citizens.  

In particular, the Decree: 

• expands the number of highly qualified workers eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card, by amending the objective and personal conditions for access; 
  
• changes the procedure for employers to apply for work permits; 
  
• provides for employment and re-employment, establishing that the EU Blue Card holder can be self-employed in parallel with employment and also that he/she can seek employment in the event of unemployment;  
  
• provides more flexibility in mobility (both short and long term); 
  
• updates and changes procedures for family reunification; 
  
• makes it easier for a foreigner who holds an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State to enter and reside in Italy to carry out a professional activity.