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These organisations give free information and support. Contact one of them first.
Short answer
Working without a contract, payslips or contributions is the employer's offence, not yours. You can still claim unpaid wages and contributions in labour court, generally within five years, and special permits exist for victims of exploitation. Collect evidence, ask a union or patronato for help, and call 800 290 290 if you are threatened.
Information, not legal advice. MovItaly is not a law firm. Check with the questura or consulate before you act.
What lavoro nero is
Work with no written contract, no payslips or no contributions paid. It is the employer who breaks the law, not you.
What it costs you
- No INPS contributions: years do not count for pension, NASpI (unemployment) or maternity pay.
- No sick pay, holiday pay or TFR. INAIL cover after an accident becomes a fight over proof.
- No proof of income for renewing or converting a permesso, family reunification, housing or loans.
- High risk of very low pay, no rest and unsafe conditions.
What the employer risks
- Administrative fines for undeclared workers (maxi-sanzione per worker, amount VERIFY), plus back contributions.
- Criminal liability for illegal intermediation and labour exploitation under art. 603-bis of the Penal Code (VERIFY penalties).
- Employing a foreigner without a permit has separate penalties (art. 22 c.12 TU Immigrazione, VERIFY).
Your rights even without a contract
You can claim unpaid wages and contributions in labour court within the limitation period (generally 5 years, VERIFY). Witnesses, messages, bank transfers and photos count as evidence.
Permits for victims of exploitation
- Art. 18 TU Immigrazione: a special permit for victims of violence or serious exploitation who accept a protection programme. VERIFY.
- Art. 22 c.12-quater: a permit for workers who report particularly exploitative conditions and cooperate with the authorities. VERIFY.
How to act, step by step
- Collect evidence (see the contract checklist guide).
- Check your INPS record (see the contribution check guide).
- Contact a union or patronato to calculate what you are owed and send a written demand.
- Ask INL for an inspection. VERIFY whether you can ask for confidentiality.
- If threatened, held, or not paid at all, call the anti-trafficking line 800 290 290.
FAQ
Will reporting get me deported? Not automatically; there are protection routes, but each case differs. Get free legal advice first. Can I be fired for asking? Retaliation is unlawful, but proof matters. Keep records. What if I have no permesso? Anti-trafficking organisations help regardless of status.
Sources
- Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro - contatti e richiesta di intervento ispettivo (INL)
- Numero Verde Antitratta 800 290 290 (Presidenza del Consiglio - Dipartimento Pari Opportunita)
- Ministero del Lavoro - ingresso e soggiorno per lavoro in Italia (Ministero del Lavoro)
- Codice penale art. 603-bis (intermediazione illecita e sfruttamento del lavoro) (Normattiva)
- INPS - Patronati (INPS)
