The Italian government aims to strengthen ties with true descendants while addressing passport abuse and efficient processing.
Italy Enacts Stricter Citizenship Laws for Those with Italian Ancestry
Italy Enacts Stricter Citizenship Laws for Those with Italian Ancestry
New regulations require a direct parental link to Italian citizens, limiting passport access.
Italy has just passed a new law that modifies the existing citizenship rules for individuals claiming Italian heritage. Previously, any person with an Italian ancestor who lived after March 17, 1861, which is when the Kingdom of Italy was established, was eligible for citizenship under the 'jus sanguinis' principle — the right of blood. However, the recently ratified law mandates that applicants must now demonstrate that they have a direct lineage of either a parent or grandparent who was born an Italian citizen.
This decision, taken by the Italian parliament on Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy by the government to reinforce connections between Italy and its citizens living abroad while curbing instances of passport misuse and commercialization. As of late March, the government reported a substantial increase in citizen numbers, with an estimated 6.4 million individuals living abroad, marking a 40% rise since the end of 2014.
Alongside these statistics, there are currently over 60,000 pending legal citizenship verification proceedings, which the new law aims to alleviate. The Italian foreign ministry indicated that the adjustments would allocate more resources to consular services, ensuring they cater specifically to those with legitimate ties to Italy.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that while the essence of citizenship remains for descendants, the revised rules will impose "precise limits" to prevent misuse or the "commercialization" of Italian citizenship. He emphasized that citizenship should be treated as a serious commitment and responsibility.
This decision, taken by the Italian parliament on Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy by the government to reinforce connections between Italy and its citizens living abroad while curbing instances of passport misuse and commercialization. As of late March, the government reported a substantial increase in citizen numbers, with an estimated 6.4 million individuals living abroad, marking a 40% rise since the end of 2014.
Alongside these statistics, there are currently over 60,000 pending legal citizenship verification proceedings, which the new law aims to alleviate. The Italian foreign ministry indicated that the adjustments would allocate more resources to consular services, ensuring they cater specifically to those with legitimate ties to Italy.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that while the essence of citizenship remains for descendants, the revised rules will impose "precise limits" to prevent misuse or the "commercialization" of Italian citizenship. He emphasized that citizenship should be treated as a serious commitment and responsibility.
