The government has published Decree-Law 170/2026 (Gazzetta Ufficiale, 30 September) introducing a raft of measures to promote the integration of foreign students and support the upcoming 2026/27 academic year. From 2027/28, first-year primary and secondary classes must keep newly arrived foreign pupils below 30 % of enrolment; local education offices are empowered to reshuffle registrations across nearby schools to respect the ceiling. The decree also obliges parents whose limited Italian hampers engagement with teachers to attend free A2-level language courses at provincial adult-education centres. Non-attendance after a formal warning can trigger administrative fines. In addition, face coverings that prevent identification are banned during school activities except for certified medical reasons. For multinational companies relocating staff to Italy, the new rules carry practical implications. Families moving mid-year may find preferred schools full once the 30 % threshold is reached, especially in big-city districts with high expatriate concentrations. Mobility teams should start enrolment processes early and budget for potential transport to out-of-catchment schools. The language-course requirement likewise affects trailing spouses who plan to work; completing the courses could accelerate their integration and bolster job prospects. Employers should consider sponsoring on-site Italian lessons or partnering with accredited providers to help assignees comply. The decree now enters parliamentary conversion proceedings and could be amended within 60 days. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments through the Chamber of Deputies’ public-consultation portal.
Source: Integrazione Migranti
