International protection and special protection

In the case of submitting a request for international protection, the following protection options may be recognized: international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) or special protection:

1) refugee status: in case of well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion; 

2) subsidiary protection: for those facing a real risk of death penalty, torture or threat to life, or in case of an internal or international war in the country of origin;
3) special protection: for those who cannot be removed from the Italian territory, because of a risk of violation of their fundamental rights (in case of  risk of persecution, torture, or inhuman and degrading treatments; if repatriation constitutes a violation of constitutional or international obligations of the Italian State). 

Stateless persons and non-EU nationals who are at the borders, border crossing points, transit zones, or in the national territory, regardless of when they entered and under what status (regularly, temporarily without a residence permit, etc.). 

You can express your intention to apply for asylum:
– To the Border Police Station upon arrival or,
– If you are already in Italy, at the Immigration office (Ufficio immigrazione) of the nearest Provincial Police Headquarters (Questura).

After the screening procedures and other checks, your application for international protection will be registered and examined by the relevant authorities. In some cases foreseen by law, the application can be examined through so-called “border procedures”, taking place near the border or at entry points to Italy.

Even if you are in a prison or being held in a pre-removal facility, you have the right to apply for international protection. This will be followed by an interview before the Territorial Commission, which will either approve your request for one of the forms of protection or reject it. 

You do not need a passport or any other identity document to apply for international protection. You can submit a request and go to the territorial commission without any documents to tell your story and indicate why you asked for protection in Italy. 

Yes. To do so, you must file an appeal by contacting a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to free legal assistance

If refugee status is recognized, the residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years with the possibility of automatic renewal (without further procedures). 

If subsidiary protection is recognized, a residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. 

If special protection is recognized, a residence permit is issued for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Beneficiaries of international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and holders of special protection are entitled to various rights. Some of these rights can be exercised upon formalizing the application for international protection, while others are consolidated upon recognition of protection.
– Right to education: Upon formalizing the application for international protection, you can enroll at the school closest to your home. Once protection is recognized, you can access education, vocational training, and university programs.
– Right to work: You can engage in employed or self-employed work 90 days after formalizing the application for international protection, if the procedure has not yet been concluded. Once international protection or special protection is recognized, you can work without the need for further authorization.
– Right to register with the National Health Service (Sistema Sanitario Nazionale, SSN): You have the right to mandatory registration with the SSN, with the option of choosing your general practitioner and/or pediatrician of your choice at the competent Local Health Authority (ASL), “Choice and Revocation of Doctor” desk.
– Right to social and welfare benefits: Recognition of international protection or special protection allows access, under the conditions established by law, to economic and social benefits and support measures. Actual access to certain benefits may vary depending on the type of residence permit held and the specific requirements.

If international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) is recognized, yes. 

If special protection is recognized, no.

If international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) is recognized, yes. 
If special protection is recognized, the conversion will not be possible for applications submitted from March 11, 2023 onwards. 

If refugee status is recognized, yes. 

If subsidiary protection is recognized and the individual cannot approach the authorities of their country of origin, yes.  

If special protection is recognized, no, but there may be exceptions, namely: when there are subjective or objective reasons preventing the issuance of a passport by the country of origin (for example, a well-founded fear of coming into contact with the diplomatic mission of your country, the inability to provide the documents required by the Embassy for issuance passport, as well as the absence of a consular representation in Italy). 

Yes, in governmental facilities, reception centers established by Prefectures, or in the Reception and Integration System (SAI). ). If you need help with housing, contact the Provincial Headquarters of the Police (it. Questura) or the Prefecture of your place of residence (specifically the office called “Area IV”). 

Yes, up to 90 consecutive days within the Schengen area. 

If international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) is recognized and you have visited your country of origin, after your return the Italian authorities (National Commission for Asylum) may start a procedure to find out the reasons of your trip. In this case, you may be invited to an interview to explain the reason for the trip, the means of travel and to provide any other information about the level of risk in the country of origin and about their life in Italy.

If special protection is recognized, yes.