Thousands of migrants including Gambians residing in Italy, will now be allowed to apply for temporary work permits to work and stay in Italy under an amnesty announced as the country revealed a $59.6bn stimulus package to lessen the economic impact of the coronavirus.

After weeks of negotiations marked by political infighting, the Italian government finally reached an  agreement on Wednesday 13 May 2020, to approve provisional changes to permits for farm workers and home carers.

The amnesty was pushed by agriculture associations across Italy as there is a dare need to fill the gap left by at least 200,000 seasonal labourers who are mostly from Eastern European countries who are stuck in their countries due to the Covid-19.

As a result, Italy is now at risk of losing 25 percent of its harvest, says Italian leading Agriculture association Coldiretti.

The decree disclosed on Wednesday confirmed that the work permit will be valid for six months

By: Fatoumatta Samateh

For Kairaba News Network