On 6 May the finalised version of law n. 50/2023 came into force, adapted from decree-law n. 20/2023. As outlined on EWSI in April, the new law will affect the integration processes of third-country nationals (TCNs), both those newly arrived and those living 'irregularly' in Italy for a long time.

The changes prevent the complete abolition of so-called ‘special protection’ status (a complementary form of protection for both vulnerable and integrated migrants), so it can still be applied to migrants whose fundamental rights might be violated if they were to return to their country of origin.

The changes also reduce the grounds on which such protection may be granted in the first place: the part of the law that makes direct reference to a person's right to private and family life was removed, meaning that - as outlined by ASGI - migrants with family or social (including labour) ties in their host country may now find it more difficult to secure special protection. Migrants fleeing natural disasters or seeking health treatment for their severe medical conditions will also see their access to special protection restricted. Additionally, it is no longer possible for special protection beneficiaries or those holding one-year health treatment or 'natural calamity' permits to covert their document of stay into a work permit, although they will be entitled to work.

Moreover, the new law extensively modifies the asylum seeker reception system and associated integration measures: psychological support, legal aid and language courses will no longer be guaranteed in first reception centres.