The government’s tightening on “special protection”. What is that? Who are the 10,000 migrants who have obtained it and why is it now being reduced? – Corriere.it

A close on the concession of special protection. Among the measures launched by the government in the new decree on immigration there is also a revision of this form of reception: the objective – explains the government – is to abolish it and replace it with measures in line with the European legislation. A choice that goes in the direction taken in 2018 by the first Salvini decree
which already in article 1 canceled the residence permit for humanitarian reasons to replace it with the formula of special protection. But what is it about? Who can ask for it and how many have benefited from it?

How is international protection obtained in Italy?

Until 2018, international protection could be granted to asylum seekers in Italy in 3 cases: for those who obtained it refugee statusfor the subsidiary protection and for the humanitarian protection. This third form was canceled in 2018 with the first security decree of the then Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. That provision had abolished the humanitarian protection offered to those who did not receive refugee status or subsidiary protection but who at the same time could not be moved away from Italy. The text for, in article 1, provided for the birth of a new formula, special protection: in this case the criteria for obtaining it were very restrictive (for example an illness or disaster in the country of origin).

What changes with Minister Lamorgese?

In the 2020the Conte II government with the minister Luciana Lamorgese had again widened the links of the special protection, allowing specific Territorial commissions and to magistrates to recognize a form of protection more adherent to the specific case of the person. In short, from that moment a residency permit to the asylum seeker who does not possess the characteristics to obtain international protection but who, according to the Territorial Commission a subject to risk. This legislation is still in force and affected by the new decree announced by the government after the Council of Ministers a Cutro.

What are the requirements to obtain special protection?

Special protection intervenes to defend the migrant from expulsion or refoulement to a hostile country, where he risks being object of persecution for reasons of raceOf sexOf sexual orientationOf citizenshipOf religionof orpolitical opinions e Of personal conditions And social. Furthermore, the situations in which the foreign citizen must also be taken into account be extradited to a State in which there is a fear that it may incur inhuman treatment, torture or human rights violations.

How many have obtained this type of protection?

In 2022 they were 10,865 beneficiaries of special protection, the highest number among the three types of protection (such as the so-called refugee status and subsidiary protection). The applications accepted for this type are: climb 5% compared to the previous year. According to data from the latest report by Cir, the Italian Council for Refugees, in 2022 52,625 requests for international protection were examined in Italy and 53% were refused (27,385). 21% of applicants received special protection (10,865), 12% refugee status (6,161), subsidiary protection 13% (6,770).