Facing labour shortages in several professions, Italy has made as many as 151,000 work permits available to foreign nationals, Y-Axis reported on Monday.

At least 61,250 work permits have been reserved for non-seasonal workers, while 700 spots for self-employed foreign workers.

The foreign workers will be granted work permits on a first-come, first-serve basis. This implies that candidates who apply first can secure the permit and meet all the requirements.

The Italian government has announced at least 89,050 quota spots for two categories of non-seasonal workers.

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Non-seasonal workers from nations that have bilateral or migration agreements with Italy will be able to apply for work permits starting March 18.

Non-seasonal workers from countries who do not have any agreement with Italy may submit their work permit applications starting March 21.

The country is also in need of highly skilled workers in the most in-demand professions, such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.