World Immigration News

Italy: New law on immigration and asylum

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Release Date

2025-01-09

Media

European Website on Integration

Summary

The new law, Law No. 187/2024, published on December 11, 2024, introduces urgent provisions regarding the entry of foreign workers into Italy, the protection and assistance for victims of labor exploitation, migration management, international protection, and related judicial procedures. The law is divided into five chapters:

1.Revisions to entry rules for foreign workers
2.Provisions for protecting foreign workers who are victims of crimes like human trafficking and exploitation, and measures against undeclared work
3.Measures for managing migration flows and international protection
4.Procedural provisions
5.Transitional and final provisions

Two key provisions related to migrant integration include:

-Restricted access to reception facilities: Asylum seekers who apply more than 90 days after entering Italy will have limited access to reception services.
-Prioritization based on arrival method: Asylum seekers arriving through search and rescue operations will be prioritized over those arriving by land or air.

Regarding family reunification, two changes were introduced:

-Extended period of legal residence: Foreign nationals seeking family reunification must now prove at least two years of continuous legal residence in Italy, with exceptions for international protection holders and minor children.
-Stricter housing requirements: Authorities will now verify compliance with specific housing standards, including occupancy and space criteria, potentially involving on-site inspections.
The law also addresses labor exploitation by providing a special residence permit for exploited foreign workers who cooperate with judicial authorities. This permit grants access to social services, education, and the labor market, and can be renewed for up to one year or longer. Additionally, funding for victim assistance programs, including vocational training and social integration, has been increased.

Overall, the law aims to strengthen Italy's migrant reception and labor protection systems, though it may lead to delays in family reunification processes due to the extended residency requirements and enhanced housing checks.

Tags

Italy