Thousands of undocumented Filipino workers may soon find themselves legally staying in Italy when the Italian government grants them amnesty.

Reports said that a new law will soon be enforced that would give amnesty or regularize illegal migrant workers in the service sector including caregivers.

Employers need to pay a processing fee amounting to 500 Euros or P34,000 to legitimize the stay of the their worker.

The Philippine Consulate in Milan estimates that there are almost 50,000 undocumented Filipino domestic workers and caregivers in Italy. Majority of the workers come from northern Italy.

Overstaying Filipinos in Italy were overjoyed upon hearing the news about the amnesty.

The consulate office was flooded with applicants for new travel documents. Many of the applicants are even prepared to shoulder the processing fee provided their stay in Italy become legal.

Laking pasalamat naming mga nandito na walang dokumento gaya po sa akin na six years na pong hindi umuuwi, kung magkakaroon po nito pwede na akong umuwi

It was in 2003 when Italy last granted amnesty to illegal migrant workers.

Consul General Antonio Morales is thankful the law will now give protection to Filipino overseas workers.

We extend assistance to all. But if they are documented they have more advantages kasi proprotektahan sila ng batas ng Italya

The new law is expected to be implemented in September after it appears on the country's official gazette. Report from Danny Buenafe, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief