Italian consulates

The Italian government has announced a new fingerprinting requirement for Indian applicants seeking Type D visas, effective January 10, 2025. This visa category allows long-term stays, including for students pursuing studies or research in Italy for more than 90 days, encompassing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Applicants must now schedule individual appointments at Italian consulates for the fingerprinting process. The move aligns with Italy’s broader efforts to streamline its visa protocols while enhancing security measures. According to government data, the number of Indian students in Italy has steadily risen, with 6,017 students in 2024 compared to 5,196 in 2023. This growth reflects Italy’s increasing appeal as a destination for higher education. In a significant policy shift last year, the Italian government also granted Indian students the opportunity to stay in the country for 12 months post-graduation. This extension enables students to gain initial professional experience or pursue further vocational training. Previously, this option was limited to those with master’s or PhD qualifications. Additionally, Italy has reserved quotas for Indian workers under its Flows Decree, aimed at facilitating non-seasonal and seasonal employment. For 2023 to 2025, quotas for non-seasonal workers stand at 12,000, while seasonal workers have an allocation of 8,000. These measures underscore Italy’s commitment to fostering strong academic and professional ties with India. The fingerprinting requirement is expected to ensure better oversight of visa applications while accommodating the rising number of Indian students choosing Italy as their academic destination. The changes signal Italy’s dual focus on security and strengthening bilateral cooperation with India in education and workforce mobility. Source: Hindustan Times Photo Credit: Hindustan Times