In a bid to alleviate strain on its administrative system, Italy has updated its citizenship regulations, now only permitting individuals with Italian parents or grandparents to apply. This change aims to curb the influx of applicants—a move that has been described as necessary by officials citing misuse of the citizenship process.
Italy Enacts Stricter Citizenship Laws Amid Application Surge
Italy Enacts Stricter Citizenship Laws Amid Application Surge
The Italian government has tightened citizenship eligibility, limiting it to those with direct parentage, amid a rise in passport applications from descendants of emigrants.
Article Text: In a significant shift in policy, the Italian government has enacted stricter citizenship rules, limiting eligibility to only those with Italian parents or grandparents. This move comes in response to a substantial surge in applications from individuals of Italian descent, predominantly from South America, who were searching for Italian ancestors and seeking the advantageous Italian passport.
For many years, descendants with any Italian ancestor born after 1861 could apply for citizenship, which allowed for broader mobility across Europe and other regions for international travel. However, the sheer volume of applicants put immense pressure on Italy's judicial and consular systems, delaying broader citizenship processes.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani addressed the new decree, which was officially announced last week and is effective immediately. He highlighted that these changes were necessitated by “years of abuses,” pointing out that many applicants lacked genuine ties to Italy and sought citizenship primarily for the benefits of travel rather than any substantive connection to the country.
The government’s revised regulations are not only expected to ease the administrative backlog but also reflect a more stringent stance on what it means to be an Italian citizen. Tajani emphasized that citizenship should not be treated lightly, likening it to a “serious thing” rather than just a means to gain traveling privileges, such as shopping or tourism in places like Miami. This decision demonstrates Italy's intention to preserve the integrity of its citizenship program amidst challenges posed by globalization and a widespread desire for European mobility.
