Rome: Italy is actively seeking to recruit thousands of Filipino nurses amidst a significant shortage of healthcare workers, as revealed by Philippine Ambassador to Italy, Neal Imperial. This development comes with Italy's proposal to negotiate a new bilateral labor agreement (BLA) with the Philippines, aiming to address the healthcare demands in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposal was discussed during a meeting between Ambassador Imperial and Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci on April 24. The Italian minister acknowledged the Philippines as a 'key partner' in meeting Italy's healthcare needs, expressing hopes to initiate negotiations soon. The goal is to finalize the agreement by the end of this year.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, along with an interagency group led by the Department of Migrant Workers and Department of Health, is currently consulting on a draft agreement. Once signed, this BLA would mark the first government-to-government labor deal specifically focusing on health professionals between the two countries. It aims to create a 'structured, transparent, and regulated mechanism for the recruitment and deployment' of Filipino nurses in Italy.
Currently, Italy faces a shortage of approximately 15,000-20,000 nurses, primarily in hospitals and clinics outside major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence. The Philippine Embassy in Rome highlights Italy's interest in Filipino healthcare professionals due to their 'competence, professionalism, and quality of care.'
Ambassador Imperial emphasized the mutual benefits of a formal bilateral framework, which would ensure orderly and fair recruitment while protecting the welfare of Filipino healthcare professionals. The framework would also eliminate the role of private recruitment agencies, creating a direct government-to-government system.
Filipino nurses seeking employment in Italy must meet specific qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, recognition of credentials, registration with professional bodies, Italian language proficiency at a B2 level, and completion of required professional training.
In addition to the recruitment plans, Italy has decided to extend the work validity for Filipino nurses currently employed in the country by two years, from 2027 to 2029. This extension applies as long as their regional professional recognition remains valid. This measure was initially introduced during the coronavirus pandemic to allow Filipino nurses to work in Italy under exceptional circumstances.
Ambassador Imperial noted that this extension provides continuity and greater security for the employment of Filipino nurses already in Italy. The discussions during the meeting also covered cooperation on health and well-being initiatives for the Filipino community in Italy, with proposals for programs to support long-term health outcomes.
Both sides described the talks as "productive and forward-looking," reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in healthcare, labor mobility, and community welfare.
