MANILA, Philippines — Italy is moving to recruit thousands of Filipino nurses through a formal, government-to-government labor agreement to address a severe shortage in its healthcare system.
Reports from May 8, 2026, indicate that the Italian Ministry of Health, led by Minister Orazio Schillaci, has identified the Philippines as a “key partner” to help fill a gap of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 nurses in hospitals and clinics across the European nation.
During a meeting in Rome between Minister Schillaci and Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial, several critical points were finalized to facilitate this new wave of healthcare mobility:
- Bilateral Labor Agreement (BLA): Italy is open to negotiating a structured, government-to-government mechanism. This framework aims to eliminate private recruitment agencies, ensuring an “orderly, transparent, and fair” process that protects worker welfare.
- Work Validity Extension: In a major win for those already in the country, Italy has extended the work validity of Filipino nurses currently employed there. Their contracts, which were set to expire on December 31, 2027, are now valid until December 31, 2029.
- Pandemic Recognition: The extension applies particularly to nurses who were allowed to work in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic on an “exceptional basis.”
Under the proposed agreement, Filipino nurses must meet high regulatory standards to practice in Italian facilities:
- Educational Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Language Proficiency: At least a B2 level (upper-intermediate) in the Italian language.
- Professional Recognition: Recognition of credentials by Italian authorities (riconoscimento regionale) and registration with professional bodies.
- Training: Completion of required professional training and certifications.
Italy remains a competitive destination for healthcare professionals due to its standardized pay and quality of life.
- Salary: According to industry data, an entry-level staff nurse in Italy can earn an average of €3,000 (approximately ₱213,000) per month.
- Professional Standing: Minister Schillaci noted that Filipino nurses are “highly regarded” in the Italian medical community for their competence, professionalism, and the high quality of care they provide.
While the opportunity offers significant benefits for overseas workers, it highlights the ongoing struggle for the Philippine Department of Health (DOH). The DOH previously estimated a local shortage of over 100,000 nurses.
Ambassador Imperial emphasized that the formal bilateral framework is essential to ensure that the deployment is “responsive to the needs of both countries” without severely depleting the Philippines’ own healthcare workforce.