Italy's Labour Inspectorate launches nationwide crackdown on agricultural labor exploitation

The Italian National Labour Inspectorate (INL) has opened an extraordinary summer‑time inspection campaign aimed at curbing caporalato and other forms of labour exploitation in the agricultural sector. The operation, announced on 9 June 2026, begins in June and is scheduled to continue through July, August and September, with the possibility of extension.

The campaign will be carried out jointly with the INPS, INAIL and the Carabinieri and will focus on regions and periods where seasonal labour demand is highest. Inspectors will use risk‑based analysis and integrated data sources, including the national hidden‑work portal, to target farms and businesses most prone to illegal labour subcontracting. The 2025 inspection programme saw a 13.5 % rise in activity, with 10,044 inspections launched, prompting the decision to intensify controls this summer.

The initiative is presented as a strategic priority for the INL, intended to strengthen state presence in vulnerable territories, ensure legal compliance and protect seasonal workers from exploitation.