Italy to open 1,000 jobs to Pinoy skilled workers

About a thousand jobs in Italy for managerial and skilled applicants would be available before the end of this year. Department of Labor and Employment 7 acting regional director Elias Cayanong said the job openings were disclosed after the recently conducted meeting between Philippine Overseas Labor Office representatives and Italy's Minesterio del Lavoro e delle Politche Sociali (Ministry of Labor and Social Policy).

Cayanong said that aside from the 1,000 job openings, another 2,000 would be available for domestic and seasonal jobs.

The allocation for Filipino OFWs to Italy is contained in Italy's draft legislation, known as The Decree on Immigration Quota for Non-European Citizens which is set to be finalized soon, Cayanong said.

No submission of applications would be accepted until the Italian decree is published.

However employers in Italy have been given application forms and information about the job openings.

Italy, Cayanong said, remains to be one of the Top 10 Overseas Filipino Workers' destinations.

In 2005, Italy hired more than 21,000 legal OFWS and even rehired most of them. - Ferliza C. Contratista