Government changes to immigration, citizenship rules go into force

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Italian government has published a decree that introduces amendments to Italian immigration and citizenship law. The changes went into force Friday after they were published in the Official Gazette. The Parliament must convert the changes into law within 60 days of publication, though it may introduce amendments to the decree.

What does the change mean? While most of the amendments focus on the new limits for issuing residence permits for humanitarian reasons, the changes also double the processing time for citizenship by marriage and naturalization applications from 24 months to 48 months, and introduce the possibility that citizenship by marriage applications can be rejected after the 48-month period. Additionally, application fees will increase from €200 to €250 and citizenship acquired by marriage or naturalization may be revoked for people convicted of offenses related to terrorism or public security.

• Implementation time frame: The changes went into force Oct. 5.
• Visas/permits affected: Residence permits for humanitarian protection, citizenship by marriage and naturalization applications.

Analysis & Comments: The changes may cause delays in citizenship by marriage and naturalization applications, as the processing time increases to four years. Foreign nationals may find it harder to achieve citizenship by marriage due to the change.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.