The Italian government has recently approved legislation that modifies the requirements for individuals seeking citizenship through Italian ancestry. This decision modifies the long-standing principle of "jus sanguinis," which allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor from March 17, 1861, to obtain citizenship. The new stipulations, ratified by Parliament, now necessitate that applicants prove they have a parent or grandparent who was born as an Italian citizen. The rationale behind this amendment is to strengthen ties between Italy and its citizens abroad, curb potential misuse and commercial exploitation of citizenship, and allocate more resources toward addressing the backlog of citizenship applications. Since 2014, the number of Italians living abroad has surged by 40%, leading to a significant increase in pending citizenship applications, surpassing 60,000 as of this March. Italy’s Foreign Ministry has noted that while the right to citizenship remains intact, stricter parameters are essential to maintain the integrity of the process. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need for citizenship to be meaningful, as the government endeavors to streamline consular services for those with genuine connections to Italy.
Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules for Descendants: New Regulations Approved
Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules for Descendants: New Regulations Approved
Italy has enacted a new law limiting the criteria for descendants to acquire citizenship, focusing on tighter connections to the nation.
Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules for Descendants: New Regulations Approved
Italy has enacted a new law limiting the criteria for descendants to acquire citizenship, focusing on tighter connections to the nation.
The Italian government has recently approved legislation that modifies the requirements for individuals seeking citizenship through Italian ancestry. This decision modifies the long-standing principle of "jus sanguinis," which allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor from March 17, 1861, to obtain citizenship. The new stipulations, ratified by Parliament, now necessitate that applicants prove they have a parent or grandparent who was born as an Italian citizen. The rationale behind this amendment is to strengthen ties between Italy and its citizens abroad, curb potential misuse and commercial exploitation of citizenship, and allocate more resources toward addressing the backlog of citizenship applications. Since 2014, the number of Italians living abroad has surged by 40%, leading to a significant increase in pending citizenship applications, surpassing 60,000 as of this March. Italy’s Foreign Ministry has noted that while the right to citizenship remains intact, stricter parameters are essential to maintain the integrity of the process. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need for citizenship to be meaningful, as the government endeavors to streamline consular services for those with genuine connections to Italy.
Italy has enacted a new law limiting the criteria for descendants to acquire citizenship, focusing on tighter connections to the nation.
The Italian government has recently approved legislation that modifies the requirements for individuals seeking citizenship through Italian ancestry. This decision modifies the long-standing principle of "jus sanguinis," which allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor from March 17, 1861, to obtain citizenship. The new stipulations, ratified by Parliament, now necessitate that applicants prove they have a parent or grandparent who was born as an Italian citizen. The rationale behind this amendment is to strengthen ties between Italy and its citizens abroad, curb potential misuse and commercial exploitation of citizenship, and allocate more resources toward addressing the backlog of citizenship applications. Since 2014, the number of Italians living abroad has surged by 40%, leading to a significant increase in pending citizenship applications, surpassing 60,000 as of this March. Italy’s Foreign Ministry has noted that while the right to citizenship remains intact, stricter parameters are essential to maintain the integrity of the process. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need for citizenship to be meaningful, as the government endeavors to streamline consular services for those with genuine connections to Italy.
