Filipino workers who are working in Italy without proper documents now have a chance to legalize their stay and avoid all the hassles associated with being an illegal worker such as fines, deportation and being blacklisted.

The new law that would grant undocumented all foreign workers in Italy a chance for amnesty is set to be implemented this month. It will benefit an estimate of 50,000 overstaying Filipino caregivers and domestic helpers and other professionals employed in Italy.

According to the Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Consul General Antonio Ramos, this decision of the Italian government shows that they value the contribution of the foreign caregivers and domestic helpers in making their economy prosper.

Through their newly approved Amnesty Law, the government of Italy will grant legal status to illegal foreign workers who have been working in their country for six years. The Philippine Embassy in Rome hopes that Filipinos will take advantage of this opportunity.

The government agency said that they are now ready to accept applications for legalization. The employer of an undocumented foreign worker is required to shoulder the documentation fees of the worker amounting to 500 Euros or Php 34,000. According to Ramos, many OFWs working in Italy are willing to pay the required 500 euros so they can legalize their status.

As a legal worker, they will enjoy labor security and tenure as well as the privileges given to regular workers such as education and social benefits. Ramos also said that documented foreign workers can go for a vacation at their native country and then return to Italy to work again. Unemployed and illegal foreign workers in Italy can also apply for the amnesty with the condition that they will eventually look for an employer in the European country.