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The Italian Law (Legislative Decree No. 286/98) refers to the Consolidated Immigration Act (TUI), regulating the permitted duration of stay in the following terms:
Depending on the country of stay and origin and the length of stay and reason, you can discover how to obtain and apply for a VISA by visiting the database VISA for Italy - link no.2. The residence permit (article 5 of the Consolidated Immigration Act) is issued by the competent police headquarters depending on the province in which the foreigner is located. It must be requested within 8 working days (excluding Sundays and holidays). The duration of the residence permit aligns with the terms specified in the entry visa and must not exceed the following periods:
Renewal of the residence permit must be requested at the appropriate police station for the province of residence at least 60 days before its expiration to ensure compliance with the prescribed conditions. If you are considering applying for international protection, consult the guide for asylum seekers in Italy - link no.5. In this guide you will find information on how to submit the request, criteria applied, requirements, rights and duties, useful addresses and numbers. If an asylum request is denied, a residence permit for special protection (further details available on link no.6) may be issued under specific conditions outlined in points 1 and 1.1 of the initial paragraph of Article 19 of TUI. This article safeguards individuals from expulsion or refoulement to a country where they could face persecution based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, nationality, religion, political beliefs, personal or social circumstances, or where they might be at risk of being returned to a state without protection from persecution. |
1. Entry into Italy (FAQ) https://www.esteri.it/en/sportello_info/domandefrequenti/sezione_visti_entrare_in_italia/
2. Visa for Italy (Database) https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
3. Visa and residence permit
4. Permit of stay for study purposes https://www.gssi.it/ALL 1 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY FOR THE ITALIAN PERMIT OF STAY.pdf
5. Guide for asylum seekers in Italy https://www.interno.gov.it/sites/default/files/allegati/la_guida_in_inglese.pdf
6. Residence permit for special protection https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/en-gb/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3235/What-changed-for-the-residence-permit-for-special-protection-after-the-so-called-Cutro-Decree |
To work in Italy non-EU citizens must possess a residence permit for employment. The permits which do not qualify for work are the ones issued for tourism, business or justice reasons (more info at link no.1). In order to be employed, workers are required to submit the following documents:
Employers who intend to hire foreign workers must send to the Employment Centre of the place where the workplace is located the “UNILAV” form of mandatory hiring communication. The form contains the employers’ duties pursuant to the Consolidated Immigration Act: payment of expenses for the possible return of the foreigner to his/her home country in case of repatriation and the indication of the foreigner's accommodation (link no. 3) In the case of dismissal or resignation a foreigner has the right to be entered on the mobility lists or the population lists kept by Job Centres for the remaining period of their residence permit (more workers’ rights at link no.4) Normal working hours are set at 40 hours per week, but reference is made to collective labour agreements. To find out if you are in an exploitative work condition, contact trade unions, trade associations, territorial services of the municipality of residence, as well as associations supporting immigrants. In case of emergency, assistance for specific needs call the national anti-trafficking hotline 800.290 290 or the multi-channel Helpdesk Anti-caporalato (link no. 5). |
1. Residence permits for employment
2. Tax code
3. Recruitment of foreign workers already resident in Italy https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/en-gb/Altre-info/e/4/o/6/id/6
4. Rights of foreign workers
5. Anti-capolarato Help desk https://www.lavoro.gov.it/priorita/ |
Italian citizenship is governed by Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992, along with its associated regulations, notably Presidential Decree No. 572 of October 12, 1993, and Presidential Decree No. 362 of April 18, 1994. The key principles underlying Italian citizenship include:
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1. Italian Citizenship https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/cittadinanza/ |
Italy has its own set of cultural norms and customs and being aware of them can enhance the experience in the country. The following is a list of the main useful precautions to encourage integration in a generic Italian context (more info at link no. 1):
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1. Cultural norms or customs should be aware in Italy https://www.itravelinitaly.it/2023/12/are-there-any-cultural-norms-or-customs.html#gsc.tab=0
2. Tips to Travel to Italy, Blend in like a local https://www.icls.edu/blog/9-tips-to-blend-in-like-a-local-in-italy
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Respecting cultural differences related to religion, gender roles and customs is crucial in Italy, a country with a rich history and diverse traditions. According to a UNESCO radar chart (see link no. 1), Italy scores highly in “Social cohesion”, “Freedom of expression” and “Inclusion and representation”, indicating a strong cultural sensitivity. However, it scores below the world average in “Leadership and organisation”, highlighting some instability in organisational and administrative management. Geert Hofstede developed a model for analysing and understanding cultural differences between nations (refer to link no. 2), based on six main dimensions:
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1. Italy Cultural Profile https://www.unesco.org/en/enabling-interculturaldialogue/italy-country-profile
2. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Italian dimensions https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison-tool?countries=italy |
The “Portale Integrazione Migranti” website provides valuable information on state-supported housing searches. The Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) has prepared a guide titled “La ricerca della casa” - i.e., the search for housing (direct access at link no. 1), which offers practical advice and tips to facilitate finding a rental home. The guide explains administrative obligations, tenant and landlord rights and duties and necessary documents for leasing:
The guide also covers essential elements of leasing agreements, like:
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1. “La ricerca della casa”
2. Reception, Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration http://www.libertaciviliimmigrazione.dlci.interno.gov.it/it/accoglienza |
The Italian institutional framework offers several tools to support migrants in finding employment. Migrants are eligible to work 60 days after submitting their asylum application and can register with local public employment centres. Employment Centres: These public offices offer free services for employment and vocational training to both Italian and foreign citizens residing in Italy. To utilise these services, you must register, meeting the following criteria:
Employment Centres (more info at link no. 1) assist in job searches and, upon registration, individuals can declare their immediate availability to work by signing the “Dichiarazione Immediata di Disponibilità (DID)” (refer to link no. 2). If you reside in a reception centre, inquire with the staff about available vocational training and mentoring opportunities. Additionally, you can reach the toll-free number for asylum seekers and refugees at 800 905 570 or refer to the JUMA map of refugee services (consult link no.3). |
1. Employment Centre https://italiahello.it/en/articolo/employment-center-centro-per-limpiego/
2. UNHCR https://help.unhcr.org/italy/services/work/
3. JUMA map https://www.jumamap.it/it/ |
Proficiency in the Italian language is crucial for living and working in Italy. Several resources are available to support language learning:
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1. MIUR, CPIA https://miur.gov.it/istruzione-per-gli-adulti-centri-provinciali-per-l-istruzione-degli-adulti
2. Learning Italian - online https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Dettaglio-approfondimento/id/53/Imparare-litaliano-on-line
3. Rai Scuola https://www.raiscuola.rai.it/italianoperstranieri
4. AIL https://www.acad.it/ |
The Italian Government provides some resources to ensure legal assistance to foreigners:
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1. Legal Assistance
2. Caf Patronato https://cafpatronato.it/il-servizio-caf-consulenza-del-lavoro-a-livello-nazionale/ |
Foreign citizens legally residing in Italy can access the National Health Service (NHS) in different ways, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay:
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1. How to get health treatmentin Italy? (FAQ)
2. Salute.gov, Assistance to non-EU citizens in Italy |
Italy offers several initiatives aimed at integrating migrants into the educational and labour markets.One notable project, PERCORSI, focuses on the socio-occupational integration of unaccompanied foreign minors transitioning to adulthood and young migrants up to age 23 who entered Italy as unaccompanied minors (see link no.1). UNICEF has developed a project to address regional disparities in training programmes by promoting e-learning platforms for young migrants (see link no. 2). Additionally, each Italian region offers vocational training courses for migrants, often funded by European resources. These courses cover various fields such as construction, catering and personal assistance. More specific information can be found on the websites of individual regions. The National Agency for Labour Policies (ANPAL) provides information and support for migrants to access vocational training and employment opportunities. Detailed information on relevant programmes is available on their website (see link no. 3). |
1. “PERCORSI” https://poninclusione.lavoro.gov.it/areeintervento/integrazionemigranti/Pagine/Progetto-PERCORSI
2. UNICEF https://www.unicef.it/minori-migranti-rifugiati/inclusione-partecipazione/
3. ANPAL https://www.anpal.gov.it/ |
Professional development for migrants in Italy includes a variety of activities (from formal training programs, workshops, seminars, online courses to on-the-job training) aimed at enhancing individual skills, knowledge and abilities across different sectors. Individuals can enhance their work skills through vocational courses and internships, curricular and extracurricular
Distincion applying for foreign citizens:
Nationally, notable professional development programmes include:
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1. Integrazione Migranti.org - Access to vocational training courses and traineeships https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/14/id/77/Laccesso-ai-corsi-di-formazione-professionale-e-ai-tirocini
2. ESF https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/it/sheet/53/fondo-sociale-europeo-plus
3. ANPAL https://www.anpal.gov.it/ |
The Italian landscape offers various channels for migrants to connect with host community members, other immigrants, and workers, facilitating their integration into society. Key organisations include:
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1. Italian Caritas https://www.caritas.it/uneuropa-con-anima-e-valori-il-sogno-di-un-nuovo-umanesimo/
2. Astalli Centre
3. ARCI
4. Refugees Welcome Italia https://refugees-welcome.it/chi-siamo/
5. “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione” https://www.interno.gov.it/it/temi/immigrazione-e-asilo/modalita-dingresso/sportello-unico-limmigrazione |
Volunteering is a significant way for migrants to engage with the community and receive support. Key organisations include:
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1. UNHCR https://www.unhcr.org/it/chi-siamo/contatti/
2. CRI
3. Migrantes Foundation
4. CIR https://www.cir-onlus.org/ |
Contacts to get information for local cultural events can start by visiting your local municipal office or community centre, to get information about events, services and integration programmes available in your area. Useful are also the online platforms, like the site of “IntegrazioneMigranti.org.it” (refer to the link no.1 for the main webpage). Some relevant cultural activities are represented by:
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1. Integrazione Migranti https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/
2. Roma Intercultural Festival https://www.oggiroma.it/eventi/festival/culturalmente-festival-della-cultura/76503/
3. “Migrantur” |