The Italian Government has recently enforced stringent laws on citizenship by descent, affecting thousands of candidates globally. The updated rule, which began instantly, narrows the qualification measure and presents new conditions for people looking for an Italian passport.
MEANING OF CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Citizenship by Descent (jus sanguinis) is a lawful liberty that enables persons to acquire citizenship depending on their ancestry. Several nations award citizenship to people with at least one parent or grandparents who were nationals at birth.
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WHY ITALY HAS TIGHTENED CITIZENSHIP LAWS
The actions follow an increase in applications from descendants of Italian emigrants. Officials have raised worries concerning abusers who get Italian nationality, particularly to gain from free visa travel instead of true connections to Italy.
MAJOR MODIFICATIONS TO ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Before, people could assert Italian nationality if they could trace their heritage to an Italian family member alive after the nation’s unification in 1861. Hence, the new laws have presented the following limitations:
Restricted ancestral lineage
Before, anybody with Italian lineage who was alive after 17 March 1861 could make an application. Currently, candidates are required to have a minimum of one Italian parent or grandparent, which significantly narrows the pool of qualified people.
Language skills needed
Candidates are now required to indicate Italian language skills, a condition formerly reserved for people naturalizing via residency or marriage. This is done by passing a state-served test.
Prospective residency condition
While instant residency is not implemented, candidates may need to indicate a prior 36-month duration of settling in Italy. This could involve offering evidence of address, job, or study, demonstrating true connections to the nation.
Dual citizenship examination
Dual nationals are required to engage with Italy to keep their status vibrant. This comprises consistent tax donations, partaking in elections, and timely continuation of Italian passports, demonstrating an ongoing relationship beyond simple passport possession.
Consulate application stopped
Italian consulates globally will no longer process citizenship requests. This requires that foreign candidates navigate the procedure within Italy, which includes logistical and financial stress and requires direct interaction with Italian authorities.
EFFECT ON CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS
The ruling, publicized in Italy’s official gazette on 28 March, will be subject to parliamentary ratification within 2 months. Hence, new requests are currently required to comply with the updated measures.
The modifications also threaten existing dual nationals by forfeiting their Italian citizenship if they neglect to engage with Italy by reimbursing taxes, voting, or continuing their passports.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR ASPIRING ITALIAN NATIONALS
While the rule will undergo parliamentary checks, candidates are required to prepare for a more rigorous procedure. The presentation of tougher ancestry conditions, language examinations, and residency measures indicates an adjustment toward prioritizing true connections to Italy over passport convenience.
For people intending to make an application, staying informed about feasible changes in the coming months will be necessary. As Italy redefines its policy to nationality, candidates are required to satisfy higher measures to ascertain their Italian heritage and cultural connections.
