Last October, the Italian cabinet approved a new decree on migration and security. In accordance with remarks from the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, the new decree provides for changes to the current immigration law and modifies the provisions introduced by the so-called 'Salvini Security Decrees'. As far as integration is concerned, Immigration Decree no. 130/2020 introduced a new special protection permit, added the possibility for asylum seekers to register with the city registry and reformed once more the asylum reception system.

The controversial Immigration and Security Decree proposed by the Interior Minister, Matteo Salvini, imposed restrictive criteria for humanitarian protection. Prior to the Decree, humanitarian protection permits were granted in cases where individuals were eligible for neither refugee status nor subsidiary protection but could not be removed from the country because of objective and serious personal situations. Arguing that this system for humanitarian protection was abused, Mr. Salvini abolished the humanitarian protection permit.

Ms. Luciana Lamorgese, the Interior Minister of the II Conte government, broadened the conditions under which migrants can apply for humanitarian protection, introducing a new special protection permit under the Lamorgese Decree. This new permit lasts two years and is eligible for conversion to a work permit, as was the abolished humanitarian protection permit. The Decree also grants this possibility to those within the following categories of permits:

• calamity;
• elective residence;
• acquisition of citizenship or stateless person status;
• sporting activity;
• artistic work;
• religious reasons;
• assistance to minors.

Ms. Lamorgese also added the possibility for asylum seekers to register with the city registry – in accordance with the Constitutional Court’s position - and reduced processing times for citizenship applications for naturalisation and marriage from 48 months to 36 months.

One of the most discussed aspects of the Salvini Decree concerned the downsizing of the SPRAR/SIPROIMI reception system - a system of reception and integration programmes managed by municipalities and NGOs - and the exclusion from this system of asylum seekers. Following the Salvini Decree, asylum seekers were allowed to be hosted only in large first-arrival reception centres (CARA, CDA) and in temporary reception centres (CAS), managed by the Ministry of the Interior and its local branches (prefectures). However, these facilities meet only basic standards for reception conditions. Under the new reform, the former SPRAR/SIPROIMI system changed its name into SAI ('system of reception and integration') and was reorganised into two levels: the first dedicated to international protection seekers, and the second for those who are already international protection beneficiaries, with added services aimed at integration.

The appointment of Ms. Lamorgese, a former career civil servant specialising in migration policy, ignited hope for changes to migration and integration approaches and the abolition of the most controversial elements of the Salvini Reform. Finally these changes have occurred, but it has taken some time and many NGOs, including ASGI, are only partially satisfied. Different aspects raise concern: notably, in relation to the citizenship law, the revocation of Italian citizenship from a foreign citizen deemed a threat to national security was not questioned, and the duration of the citizenship process was reduced to 36 months rather than the original 24 months.