Decreto Flussi Work Internship in Italy | Work in Italy 2026

Decreto Flussi Work Internship in Italy 2026 | Work in Italy. Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Here. If working legally in Italy has been on your mind, the Decreto Flussi 2026 is the most direct pathway available to non-EU nationals. It is Italy’s annual immigration flow decree—a government-regulated mechanism that sets quotas for foreign workers to enter the country legally and take up employment across multiple sectors.

Every year, thousands of workers from outside the European Union successfully use this system to relocate to Italy with a legal work permit. The 2026 edition is expected to continue the trend of expanding quotas that Italy has pursued in recent years, driven by genuine labor shortages across agriculture, construction, tourism, hospitality, domestic care, and increasingly, skilled professional sectors.

This guide explains the entire process from start to finish — what the decree covers, who qualifies, how to apply, what the Italian work visa process looks like, living costs, and how working in Italy under this program can eventually lead to permanent residence. Whether you are researching this independently or considering working with a professional, everything you need to know is here.

What is the Decreto Flussi?

The Decreto Flussi—literally “Flow Decree”—is an annual decree issued by the Italian government that regulates the entry of non-EU foreign workers into Italy. It sets maximum quotas for how many non-EU workers can be admitted in a given year across different categories of employment.

The decree is authorized under the Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione (Consolidated Immigration Act, Legislative Decree 286/1998) and is finalized through coordination between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Each year, the Italian government issues a preliminary decree (DPCM programmatico) that outlines expected quotas, followed by the operative decree that opens the application windows. These application windows — often called “click days” — are the periods during which employers can submit authorization requests for their foreign workers.

The system has evolved significantly in recent years. Italy has progressively increased its annual quotas to address demographic decline and labor market shortages, making the Decreto Flussi 2026 one of the most relevant legal immigration tools for non-EU workers globally.

Why the Decreto Flussi Matters in 2026

Italy is facing a structural labor shortage. Its aging population, declining birth rate, and emigration of younger Italian workers to other EU countries have created genuine gaps across multiple industries. The Italian government has responded by significantly scaling up immigration quotas.

In recent years, annual Decreto Flussi quotas have grown from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. The 2023–2025 multi-year plan authorized over 450,000 entries across three years. For 2026, similar or expanded numbers are expected, particularly in sectors where domestic labor supply continues to fall short.

This is not just an abstract policy shift — it is a real, practical opportunity for workers from non-EU countries who have the right skills and documentation to move to Italy legally, work, build savings, and create long-term lives here.

For anyone who has been researching the skilled worker visa requirements for Italy, the Decreto Flussi is the primary framework through which most non-EU workers enter the Italian labor market.

Who Can Apply – Eligible Countries and Workers

Not every country is eligible for the Decreto Flussi in the same way. Italy gives preference to nationals of countries that have signed cooperation agreements on immigration management with Italy.

Priority Countries (Preferential Access)

Nationals from countries with bilateral agreements with Italy receive preferential access. These include (but may not be limited to):

Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Mali, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Ukraine, and several others.

The list is updated with each annual decree, so always verify on the official Italian government portal before applying.

Work Categories Covered

The Decreto Flussi covers both seasonal and non-seasonal (multi-year) work categories:

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Decreto Flussi 2026 – Key Details at a Glance

How the Decreto Flussi Process Works—The Basic Structure

One thing that confuses many applicants is that the Decreto Flussi is an employer-driven process, not a direct individual application system like some other countries’ work visa programs. Understanding this structure is fundamental.

Here is how it works:

1. The Italian government issues the decree. It sets the total annual quota and opens specific application windows (click days) for different categories.

2. An Italian employer applies first. A registered Italian employer who wants to hire a specific non-EU worker submits an application through the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Single Immigration Desk) at the local prefecture. This application is called a Nulla Osta (work authorization) request.

3. The Nulla Osta is issued (or denied). If approved within the quota, the Italian employer receives the Nulla Osta—a formal authorization that the specific foreign worker may enter Italy to work for them.

4. The worker applies for a work visa. Armed with the Nulla Osta, the non-EU worker applies for a National Work Visa (Visto D per Lavoro) at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

5. The worker enters Italy and signs the Residence Contract. Once in Italy, within 8 days, the worker signs the Contratto di Soggiorno (Residence Contract) with their employer at the Sportello Unico and applies for their Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit for Work).

This structure means that having an Italian employer lined up before the click day opens is essential. Without an employer willing to submit the Nulla Osta request, you cannot access the Decreto Flussi system.

Finding an Italian Employer – The Critical First Step

Since everything flows from the employer’s application, finding a legitimate Italian employer who is willing to sponsor your entry under the Decreto Flussi is your first and most important task.

How Workers Typically Find Italian Employers

There are several realistic pathways:

Direct job applications: Apply directly to Italian companies in sectors known to hire internationally—agriculture, hospitality, construction, and domestic care. Italian job portals like InfoJobs.it and Indeed. it, and Subito. It can be starting points.
Sector-specific agencies: Labor recruitment agencies operating in agriculture (especially in southern Italy) and hospitality regularly work with workers from abroad. Be cautious of fraudulent agencies — always verify credentials.
Community and diaspora networks: Many workers from specific countries have established networks in particular Italian regions. Connecting with your home country’s diaspora communities already working in Italy can provide genuine leads.
Bilateral agreements channels: Some countries with strong Italian bilateral agreements have formal recruitment cooperation channels—your home country’s Ministry of Labor may have information about registered Italian employers seeking workers.
International student recruitment agency or overseas education services connections: For workers who first arrived in Italy as students, connections made through university or overseas education networks sometimes lead to direct employer relationships.

What Makes an Employer Eligible to Submit a Nulla Osta?

Not every Italian employer can participate. To submit a Nulla Osta request, the employer must do the following:

Be a legally registered business entity in Italy
Be in compliance with Italian labor law and tax obligations
Have a genuine vacancy in a role covered by the decree categories
Be able to offer a legally compliant employment contract with minimum salary requirements
The employer must also be able to demonstrate that the position cannot be reasonably filled by an EU or Italian worker — though in practice, the quota system itself acts as the primary gatekeeping mechanism rather than individual labor market tests.

Eligibility Requirements for Workers

While the employer initiates the formal process, you as the worker also need to meet specific requirements to qualify for the Decreto Flussi pathway.

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Basic Worker Requirements

Non-EU nationality: You must be a citizen of a non-EU country (EU citizens have free movement rights in Italy and do not need this system).
Eligible country: Your home country must be on the list of countries included in that year’s decree (priority given to bilateral agreement countries).
Currently outside Italy (for most categories): The standard Decreto Flussi process requires you to be residing in your home country at the time of application, not already in Italy illegally.
No criminal record: A clean criminal record is required both in Italy (if you have previously resided there) and in your home country.
Good health: You must be in good physical and mental health and meet any health requirements related to your specific work category.
Qualifications and skills: Your professional background must match the job role your employer is applying for. For skilled categories, proof of relevant qualifications or experience will be required.
Valid passport: A passport valid for at least the duration of your intended stay, plus a buffer of several months.

For Seasonal Workers Specifically

Seasonal work permits (for agriculture, tourism, and fishing) have slightly different conditions. Seasonal permits are typically valid for a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year. Workers who have participated in previous seasons and returned to their home country at the end of each season often receive priority in subsequent years.

For Highly Skilled Workers

Professionals applying under the highly skilled or managerial categories must typically provide:

Recognized educational qualifications (degree or professional certifications)
Proof of relevant work experience
A signed or preliminary employment contract with a minimum salary threshold
The EU Blue Card — available in Italy for highly qualified non-EU professionals — operates alongside but separate from the standard Decreto Flussi seasonal categories, though it feeds through a similar authorization process.

Required Documents – Complete Checklist

Documents are required at two stages: the employer’s Nulla Osta application and your personal visa application afterward. Here is what is typically needed at each stage.

Documents for the Employer’s Nulla Osta Request (Submitted by the Employer)

Completed Nulla Osta application form
Proof of employer’s legal business registration in Italy
Tax compliance certificates
Job description and offered employment contract terms
Evidence of the vacancy and inability to fill it locally (in some categories)
Worker’s personal identification details (passport copy)

Documents for the Worker’s Visa Application (Submitted by You)

Valid passport (minimum 6–12 months’ validity beyond your intended stay)
The issued Nulla Osta document (provided by your employer)
Completed Italian National Visa application form (Type D)
Recent passport-sized photographs (matching Italian consulate specifications)
Criminal background check from your home country (apostilled and translated)
Health certificate (required by some consulates and work categories)
Proof of accommodation in Italy (your employer often provides this for the initial period)
Employment contract or pre-contract signed by both parties
Proof of sufficient financial means for initial settlement (often covered by the employment contract evidence)
Visa application fee payment

After Arrival in Italy—For Permesso di Soggiorno

Completed Permesso di Soggiorno application kit (available at post offices — Kit Immigrazione)
Copy of your passport and visa
Signed Contratto di Soggiorno (Residence Contract) with your employer
Two passport-sized photographs
Application fee (€30–€200 depending on the permit type and duration)
Tax code (Codice Fiscale — obtained upon arrival, often at the local tax office or Agenzia delle Entrate)

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The Italian Work Visa Application Process – Step by Step

Understanding the full sequence of events from decree publication to your first day at work in Italy is essential for planning properly. Here is the complete process broken down clearly.

Step 1: Monitor the Decree Publication

Follow the Italian Ministry of Interior’s official website and established immigration news sources for the announcement of the 2026 Decreto Flussi. The preliminary decree (DPCM programmatico) usually appears several months before the operative click days.

Step 2: Secure an Italian Employer

Before the click day opens, have a confirmed employer who is ready to submit your NULAA OSTA application the moment the window opens. Click days are competitive — quotas can fill within hours. Your employer must be ready to act immediately.

Step 3: Employer Submits Nulla Osta on Click Day

Your employer accesses the Ministry of Interior’s online portal (portaleservizi.interno.gov.it) and submits the Nulla Osta request during the open application window. Applications are processed in order of receipt until the quota is exhausted.

Step 4: Nulla Osta Processing

The Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione at the local prefecture reviews the application. Processing can take several weeks to several months depending on the volume of applications and the prefecture’s capacity. If approved, the Nulla OSTA is issued to the employer.

Step 5: You Apply for Your Work Visa

With the Nulla Osta in hand, you apply for your Italian National Work Visa (Visto D per Lavoro) at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee. Processing time is typically 15–90 days depending on your country.

Step 6: Enter Italy

Once your visa is issued, you travel to Italy. Your visa is typically valid for a short entry period, so coordinate your travel date carefully with your employer and the requirements of your permit.

Step 7: Sign the Residence Contract and Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno

Within 8 working days of arriving in Italy, you must:

Go to the Sportello Unico with your employer to sign the Contratto di Soggiorno
Submit your Permesso di Soggiorno application through the Post Office (Kit Immigrazione)
The Permesso di Soggiorno is your official residence permit. It must be renewed before expiry and is the document that allows you to live and work legally in Italy beyond the visa validity.

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Expected 2026 Timeline

Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer for the Decreto Flussi?

This is one of the most common questions—and the honest answer is it depends.

For straightforward cases—a worker with clean documentation, a cooperative employer, and a standard job category—the process is navigable without professional help. Many workers successfully complete the process independently or with support from their employer.

However, there are situations where working with an immigration lawyer in Italy or a registered immigration professional is genuinely worthwhile:

Your previous immigration history in Italy is complicated (prior overstays, permit issues)
Your employer is unfamiliar with the Nulla Osta process
You are applying under a specialized or less common category
Your documents require translation, apostilling, or equivalency recognition
You need to navigate the Permesso di Soggiorno renewal process for the first time
You are planning for long-term settlement and want to understand the pathway to permanent residence from the beginning
When seeking an immigration attorney consultation, always verify that the professional is registered with the Consiglio Nazionale Forense (Italian National Bar Council). Unregistered consultants — of whom there are many — can take your money, provide wrong information, and leave your application in a worse state than when you started.

Immigration consultant fees in Italy for legitimate, comprehensive services related to the Decreto Flussi process typically range from €500 to €2,500 depending on the complexity of the case. Get a written quote and a clear description of services before paying anyone.

The best immigration law firms in Italy dealing with labor immigration will have demonstrable experience with Decreto Flussi applications specifically. Ask for that directly.

Living in Italy as a Worker – Real Cost Guidance

Understanding what your money will actually cover in Italy depends heavily on which city or region you work in. Costs in northern Italy (Milan and Turin) are higher than in the south (Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia), where much of the agricultural and seasonal work is concentrated.

Monthly Living Cost Estimates by Region

Salary Expectations by Sector

Salaries in Italy are governed by national collective labor agreements (Contratti Collettivi Nazionali di Lavoro — CCNL), which set minimum pay rates for each sector. Here is a general overview:

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Healthcare Coverage in Italy

Once you receive your Permesso di Soggiorno and begin working in Italy, you are enrolled in the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale — SSN). Registration is through your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). This grants you access to the same public healthcare system as Italian citizens — GP visits, hospital treatment, and specialist referrals.

This is effectively a form of international student health insurance equivalent for workers — a major benefit that many non-EU workers find genuinely valuable.

For the period between arriving in Italy and receiving full SSN coverage, having private travel or health insurance is advisable. Many workers use affordable providers that cover short-term medical emergencies.

Sending Money Home

Many workers who come to Italy through the Decreto Flussi regularly send remittances home. Using efficient services for tuition fee transfer abroad (or general international transfers) — such as Wise, Remitly, or Western Union — can significantly reduce the cost compared to standard bank wire transfers. Over several years, these savings add up considerably.

Accommodation in Italy for Workers

Finding student accommodation in Italy as an incoming worker is more challenging than for students, as university housing options are not available. Practical options include:

Employer-provided accommodation: Common in agriculture and domestic care sectors. If your employer provides housing, it is often deducted from your salary at a legally regulated rate.
Shared private rentals: The most common option for workers in urban areas. Platforms like Idealista.it, Immobiliare.it, and local Facebook groups are useful.
Relocation services for workers: Some agencies specializing in relocation services for students and new arrivals in Italy also serve incoming workers. These services can help with temporary housing while you search for a longer-term place.

Work Rights, Permit Renewals, and Changing Employers

Once you are legally working in Italy under a Decreto Flussi permit, understanding your ongoing rights is crucial.

Permit Renewals

Your Permesso di Soggiorno for work must be renewed before it expires. Renewals are submitted through the post office using the Kit Immigrazione. You will need your employer’s confirmation of continued employment, proof of continued income, and valid accommodation documentation.

Changing Employers

Changing employers in Italy as a permit holder is possible but requires administrative steps. You generally need to:

Notify the Sportello Unico of the change
Have the new employer confirm the new employment relationship
Ensure the new role falls within a permitted work category
For seasonal permit holders, changing employers mid-season is more restricted. Non-seasonal permit holders have more flexibility.

Converting a Seasonal Permit to a Non-Seasonal Permit

Workers who have participated in seasonal work in Italy for multiple consecutive years may be eligible to convert their seasonal permit to a non-seasonal work permit. This is a significant pathway for workers who begin with seasonal entry and want to establish longer-term residence in Italy.

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Pathway to Italian Permanent Residence After Working Through Decreto Flussi

The Decreto Flussi is not just a short-term work opportunity—it can be the starting point of a genuine permanent life in Italy. Here is the realistic long-term pathway.

Years 1–5: Build Legal Residence

Work legally in Italy under your Decreto Flussi permit. Renew your Permesso di Soggiorno as required. Pay taxes and social contributions (INPS contributions). These years of legal, contributing residence are the foundation of your future permanent residence application.

Year 5: Apply for Long-Term EU Residence Permit

After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy — including time spent on a work permit — you may be eligible for the Permesso di Soggiorno UE per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo (Long-Term EU Residence Permit). This is a permanent residence application in practical terms.

Requirements typically include:

5 years of continuous legal residence
Proof of stable and sufficient income (based on INPS social assistance threshold)
Adequate accommodation
Clean criminal record
Italian language test (CILS A2 level or equivalent — basic conversational Italian)

Year 10: Italian Citizenship by Naturalization

After 10 years of legal residence in Italy, you can apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization. Italian citizenship is EU citizenship — opening the right to live and work across all 27 EU member states.

Accelerated Pathways

Some workers qualify for accelerated or alternative PR pathways:

Marriage to an Italian or EU citizen: Reduces the citizenship residency requirement significantly
Highly skilled workers: The EU Blue Card has its own distinct timeline for long-term residency
PR after study: International students who transition from a study permit to a work permit may count some study time toward their residency total—always verify current rules with a qualified professional
For complex permanent residence application cases, working with the best immigration law firm in Italy that specializes in long-term settlement is strongly advisable. The stakes are higher, the paperwork is more extensive, and professional guidance at this stage is a worthwhile investment.

Practical Advice for Workers Entering Italy Through Decreto Flussi

These are the things that actually matter when you are on the ground.

Get your Codice Fiscale immediately upon arrival. The Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) is required for practically everything: opening a bank account, registering with the SSN, signing a rental contract, and setting up a phone plan. Visit the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate as soon as possible.

Open an Italian bank account early. You need one to receive your salary legally and to demonstrate financial means for permit renewals. Banks that are relatively accessible for new arrivals include Poste Italiane (Banco Posta), N26, and some regional cooperative banks.

Register with your Comune (municipality). After receiving your Permesso di Soggiorno, register at the local Anagrafe (registry office) to get your official residence registration. This is required for many administrative processes.

Learn basic Italian. Even B1 level Italian dramatically improves your quality of life, workplace integration, and long-term immigration prospects. Free or low-cost Italian classes are available through local municipal services, cultural associations, and online platforms.

Do not let your permit expire. This is the single most common — and most damaging — mistake workers make. Permit expiry without timely renewal creates legal complications that are expensive and time-consuming to resolve. Mark your renewal date clearly and start the process at least 3 months before expiry.

Beware of fraudulent job offers and visa agents. There is an active market of scammers who promise Italian work permits for advance fees, fake job contracts, or fraudulent Nulla Osta documents. Any process that involves paying an individual directly for a “guaranteed” Decreto Flussi spot is a scam. Legitimate employers do not charge workers for Nulla OSTA applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Decreto Flussi 2026?

The Decreto Flussi 2026 is Italy’s annual immigration flow decree that sets legally regulated quotas for non-EU workers to enter and work in Italy. It covers both seasonal work (agriculture, tourism, and fishing) and non-seasonal work (construction, care, professional roles, and transportation) and is the primary legal pathway for non-EU workers to obtain work authorization in Italy.

2. Can I apply for the Decreto Flussi directly without an employer?

No. The Decreto Flussi is an employer-driven system. A registered Italian employer must submit the Nulla Osta (work authorization) request on your behalf during the application window (click day). You cannot apply for yourself directly. Securing a legitimate Italian employer willing to sponsor your entry is the critical first step.

3. Which countries are eligible for the Decreto Flussi 2026?

Italy prioritizes nationals from countries that have signed bilateral cooperation agreements on immigration—including Albania, Morocco, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and many others. The full eligible country list is confirmed in each year’s decree. Always check the official Ministry of Interior announcement for the 2026 list.

4. How competitive is the Decreto Flussi application process?

Very competitive. In recent years, annual quotas have been filled within hours of the click day opening — sometimes within minutes for popular categories. Having your employer ready to submit immediately the moment the application window opens is absolutely critical. Late submissions rarely secure quota spots.

5. Can I bring my family to Italy once I have a Decreto Flussi work permit?

Yes. After obtaining your work Permesso di Soggiorno and meeting minimum income requirements, you can apply for family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) to bring your spouse and children to Italy. They would receive dependent residence permits allowing legal residence in Italy.

6. What is the difference between seasonal and non-seasonal Decreto Flussi permits?

Seasonal permits are for agricultural, tourism, and fishing work and are valid for a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year. Workers must leave Italy when the permit expires. Non-seasonal permits cover year-round employment in sectors like construction, domestic care, and professional roles and are renewable as long as employment continues.

7. Can a seasonal worker convert to a non-seasonal permit?

Yes, under certain conditions. Workers who have participated in seasonal work for multiple consecutive years through the Decreto Flussi system may be eligible to convert their seasonal permit to a non-seasonal work permit. This is an important stepping stone toward long-term residence.

8. Do I need to speak Italian to work in Italy under this permit?

For most entry-level roles in agriculture, domestic care, and basic hospitality, Italian language proficiency is not a formal requirement for the permit itself. However, basic Italian language skills significantly improve your workplace experience, safety understanding, and long-term integration prospects. For professional and skilled worker categories, language skills may be practically necessary even if not formally required.

9. How long does the full Decreto Flussi process take from click day to arriving in Italy?

Realistically, the process takes between 6 and 12 months from the employer’s click-day submission to your arrival in Italy. This includes Nulla Osta processing time (2–6 months), visa application processing (1–3 months), and travel logistics. Planning for a full year from preparation to arrival is wise.

10. Can I change jobs while in Italy on a Decreto Flussi work permit?

Yes, but it requires administrative steps. You need to notify the Sportello Unico and have the new employer register the new employment relationship. For seasonal permits, mid-season employer changes are more restricted. Non-seasonal permit holders have more flexibility within the terms of their permitted work category.

11. Is the Decreto Flussi the same as the EU Blue Card?

No. The Decreto Flussi is a broader quota-based system covering multiple work categories, including seasonal and lower-skilled roles. The EU Blue Card is a separate, specific permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with university degrees and qualifying high-salary job offers. Both are available in Italy but serve different worker profiles.

12. Can I use the Decreto Flussi if I am already in Italy illegally?

No. The standard Decreto Flussi process requires that you be residing legally in your home country at the time of application. It is specifically designed for workers entering Italy from abroad, not for regularizing the status of those already inside Italy without authorization. There are separate regularization processes (sanatoria) that appear occasionally for that purpose.

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Official Sources and Key Resources

Final Thoughts

The Decreto Flussi Work Permit 2026 represents a genuine, legal, and structured opportunity to build a working life in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and historically significant countries. Italy needs workers across multiple sectors; the quota numbers have been growing year on year, and the long-term pathway from work permit to permanent residence to EU citizenship is well defined.

The process requires preparation — specifically, securing a legitimate Italian employer before the click day. But for workers who approach it seriously, complete their documentation thoroughly, and navigate the system correctly, the Decreto Flussi can be the beginning of a lasting life in Italy.

Start preparing now. Research the sectors where you have relevant experience. Build connections with legitimate Italian employers or recruitment channels. Monitor the official Ministry of Interior announcements for the 2026 decree. And if your circumstances warrant it, invest in proper professional guidance early rather than after problems arise.

Italy is ready for workers who are ready to work.

Disclaimer: Immigration regulations, quota numbers, eligible country lists, and application procedures are subject to change with each annual decree. Always verify current requirements through the official Italian Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites before making any decisions or commitments.

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