Italy Leads the Way in Visa Reform: New System Aims to End Backlog and Eliminate Black Market for Appointments with Transparent Online Waiting List

Italy’s embassy in Islamabad has introduced a significant change to its visa appointment system, replacing the controversial ‘click-day’ method with a permanent online waiting list. This reform addresses the longstanding issue of appointment backlogs that have led to the rise of black market practices, where agents have allegedly sold appointment slots for as much as €1,500. By implementing this more transparent and efficient system, the embassy aims to provide fairer access for applicants and reduce the delays that have plagued the process for years. This move not only promises to ease the process for those seeking work visas but also signals Italy’s commitment to modernizing its consular services and tackling corruption.

The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has introduced a major overhaul to its visa appointment process. Effective February 14, the embassy has replaced its previous ‘click-day’ booking system with a more streamlined and permanent online waiting list for work-visa appointments. The reform primarily targets Pakistani nationals who have already obtained a Nulla Osta under Italy’s 2026 Decreto Flussi but have struggled to secure consular slots. This issue has led to the rise of a black market, where some agents have reportedly been selling appointment slots for up to €1,500.

Under the new system, applicants will now need to register once on a dedicated portal and will be placed in a queue based on the time of their registration. The embassy will then invite applicants in strict chronological order, prioritizing those seeking seasonal agriculture, hospitality, and highly-skilled permits. Family-reunion and study visas will continue to be processed through the existing Prenota Online system for the time being.

Embassy officials have stated that this new model will be tested over the next three months. If successful, it may be implemented in other regions such as Dhaka, New Delhi, and Manila, where similar problems with black-market appointment schemes have been reported. The new system offers a more predictable timeline for applicants. Those who join the waiting list this week are expected to secure appointments within four to six weeks, a stark improvement over the current nine-month backlog.

For Italian employers facing labor shortages in critical sectors like tourism and farming, this shift promises a much-needed solution. The reform aims to streamline the process and reduce the waiting time, making it easier for businesses to plan ahead. This change could also provide more transparency and fairness for applicants, who will no longer be at the mercy of the black-market appointment system.

However, navigating the new system may still be challenging for first-time applicants and businesses unfamiliar with the process. For companies, particularly those in the corporate mobility sector, assistance from third-party providers like VisaHQ can be invaluable. VisaHQ offers services that streamline the application process, such as pre-screening documents, tracking appointment availability, and providing real-time status updates. By using these services, applicants can avoid errors, ensure compliance with embassy requirements, and secure their appointments more efficiently.

For those companies recruiting in Pakistan, it’s important to immediately notify candidates about the self-registration process. Applicants should ensure that their passports are valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay and that they have the correct Nulla Osta numbers. It’s also crucial to note that duplicate or agent-created profiles will be removed from the system, so all information must be accurate. Legal advisers emphasize that failure to attend a scheduled appointment will result in the applicant being dropped to the bottom of the queue, meaning candidates should be fully prepared with all necessary travel documentation and funding upfront.

If the trial in Islamabad proves successful, there is the potential for Italy to integrate the waiting-list system into its global Prenot@Mi platform by 2027. This could bring an end to the annual appointment lottery that has plagued the Decreto Flussi hiring process for over a decade, offering a more consistent and reliable method for managing visa applications.

Overall, the shift to a permanent waiting list represents a major step forward in Italy’s efforts to modernize its visa appointment system. By tackling the issues that have plagued the process for years, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad hopes to offer a more transparent, efficient, and fair system for applicants in Pakistan. If the pilot is successful, this new model could serve as a model for other consular offices facing similar challenges around the world.

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