On 18 March 2025, the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies published clarifications aimed at strengthening the legal response to labour exploitation and enhancing protections for victims. These clarifications follow the adoption of Legislative Decree No. 145 of 11 October 2024, which introduced a residence permit specifically designed for foreign nationals who are victims of unlawful intermediation and exploitative labour conditions (new art. 18ter of T.U.I.).
This newly established permit adds to the existing protection of the “special cases” permit (art. 18 T.U.I.). It allows the holder to remain legally in Italy for six months, with the possibility of renewal for one year or for a longer period as required by judicial proceedings. The aim is twofold: to provide immediate legal protection to victims, regardless of their prior legal status, and to incentivize reporting by mitigating the risk of repatriation.
The reform aligns with broader principles of victim-centered protection in both domestic and European legal contexts, reinforcing the state’s obligation to ensure access to justice and legal remedies for all individuals subject to exploitation. It also reflects a shift toward integrating immigration and labour enforcement policies, treating exploited migrant workers not as offenders, but as rights-holders entitled to protection and participation in judicial processes.