Italians have the highest average age in Europe, around 48, suggesting the country's population is ageing. Due to this phenomenon, the country may face a labor shortage as the working age population may also be at risk. According to the IDOS Research and Studies Center, Italy will need more than 280,000 new arrivals over the next 27 years to offset the decline in the working-age population, which is expected to fall by 7.8 million people. Border closures to migrants have effectively blocked entry for workers for the past 12 years, causing a labor shortage in the country. Overall, 452,000 foreign workers are expected to be admitted to Italy, of which 136,000 in 2023 alone, while the figure could reach 151,000 next year and 165,000 in 2025. IDOS also noted that last month the government approved a new programming document for the legal entry of foreign workers between 2023 and 2025, which is 18 years after the approval of the program. last three years in 2004. According to the same report, This measure, supported by employers, was improved as employers faced labor shortages. severe economic downturn over the past 12 years and the economy's demand remained at around 833,000 workers over the same three-year period. Specifically, 274,800 for 2023, 277,600 for 2024 and 280,600 for 2025. Current legislation sets out regulations for foreign workers who must be recruited while residing abroad. In Italy, three out of four foreign workers are employed by small and medium-sized companies, often family businesses, suggesting that a relationship of trust is needed to employ someone. In 2002, the Bossi-Fini law abolished entry permits for job seekers, through which immigrants could legally stay in the country for one year. Research shows that this leads to the use of entry quotas to help migrants who already have jobs in Italy, leading to hidden policies. However, the quality of life of migrant workers in Italy may be improving to the extent that foreign workers often take on unstable, tiring and underpaid, even dangerous jobs. dangerous for their health. Nearly two-thirds of foreign workers are low-skilled, twice the number of Italians. This type of employment is also reflected in wages that are about a quarter lower than the national average.