Point-based Permit of Stay system on the way
Friday, 05 February 2010 09:48 | 
Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni and Minister of Labour Maurizio Sacconi have confirmed that they’ve agreed on principles to govern the so-called “integration agreement” (accordo di integrazione), which will introduce the point-based Permit of Stay system.
This is one of the tough rules introduced by the Security Law which became effective on 8th August 2009.
The two ministers said that they are about to introduce the integration agreement which all immigrants in Italy will be required to subscribe to in order to stay in the country.
The agreement will have a series of requirements which if met, will earn each immigrant some points. According to the Security Law, integration refers to the process aimed at facilitating co-existence between Italian citizens and immigrants, by respecting the Italian Constitutional values, and mutually taking part in the country’s economic, social and cultural life.
Each immigrant who applies for the Permit of Stay will be required to undersign the integration agreement, with a commitment to meet specific objectives during the period of validity of the Permit of Stay.
The ministers said that each immigrant will be required to accumulate 30 points before qualifying to renew the Permit of Stay. Those who make efforts to integrate into the Italian society, for instance, by learning Italian language, or sending their children to school will be rewarded with points. But those who don’t make efforts to integrate will be punished by losing points on their Permits of Stay.
A foreigner who losses all the points (seen as a sign of no or low level of integration), will lose the right to hold the Permit of Stay and will be expelled.
Mr. Sacconi said that the Integration agreement will make immigrants more responsible by encouraging them to learn Italian language, to enrol with the National health scheme, to send their minor children to school, etc. It will also encourage transparency in rental contracts, he said.
According to Mr. Maroni, the Point-based Permit of Stay system will guarantee integration of immigrants. The Integration agreement will be undersigned at the time of receiving the Permit of Stay valid for two years and at the end of that period the authorities will evaluate if the holder met the set objectives, Mr. Maroni said.
Mr. Maroni revealed that a Legislative Decree will be issued soon to govern the Integration agreement.
Last Updated (Friday, 05 February 2010 09:53)
After the xenophobic security law and the special ethnic regulations in Roma settlements, the government is about to introduce the “residence permit by point-system”. This is a serious violation of human rights that must be immediately stigmatized and corrected by the international political and legal institutions.
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