Italy's Immigration Policy Proposal
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MateiItaly's Immigration Policy Proposal
Uploaded by
MateiPosition paper-MUNUCCLE 2022
Committee : UNHCR (United Nation High Commissioner for
Refugees)
Subject/ Issue: Face aux flux migratoires, en finir avec la lâcheté
des États !
Author: The Republic of Italy
Immigrants and asylum-seekers must complete arduous journeys in the search for better
opportunities. These voyages don’t even guarantee safe passage to the desired country and, in many
cases, can prove fatal. Not only that, but once arrived, there is a chance that they will not integrate
into society despite the efforts of the host country. In modern times, there has been a noticeable and
alarming increase in the number of migrants and asylum-seekers that have arrived in Italy. Examples
include successive waves of immigration, such as the one from eastern Europe in the 90s and a much
larger flow of people from Africa and the Middle East in more recent times.
The EU (European Union) is an area of open borders and freedom of movement and Member States
share the same fundamental values and priorities. Members, including Italy, have always placed a
high value on human rights and have a shared responsibility to welcome asylum seekers in a manner
that ensures that they are treated fairly and uniformly across the board. This fact is reflected in the
Common European Asylum System (CEAS). The system is built upon 3 pillars: efficient asylum and
return procedures, solidarity and fair share of responsibility and strengthened partnerships with third
countries. The system is governed by five legislative instruments and one agency.
The number of immigrants that have come into Italy have increased at a fast pace in the past few
years due to political instability in regions in Africa (countries such as Tunisia and Morocco), and the
Middle East (Syria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan for example). Due to its proximity to Africa and its
welcoming policies, Italy is one of the main gateways into the EU for those immigrants. As member of
the European Union, Italy must respect legislation regarding this issue. The policies of the Italian state
are focused on integrating immigrants within local society no matter their cultural, religious, or national
background, which are the most problematic issues Italian policymakers must deal with. Italy has one
of the fastest processing procedures when it comes to issuing refugee visas. Italy has also been one
of the most involved countries in the EU regarding assistance to African countries that are confronted
with massive emigration waves such as Libya or Sub-Saharan countries.
The Italian national statistical agency estimated that in 2020, 1 in 10 citizens in Italy had an
immigration background (6.2 million people, about 10.4 percent of the total Italian population). These
numbers do not however include the considerable number of illegal immigrants, which is estimated to
be around 670,000, more than the population of Palermo, the 5 th largest city in Italy, which can be
problematic in regard to bureaucracy and security.
Italy acknowledges the complexity of the issue and would therefore like to propose several solutions
that will address the challenge and that will reduce the flux of immigrants into Italy.
The Italian government together with its like-minded partners is willing to cooperate with African and
Middle Eastern countries for the betterment of their own countries which will ensure that the people
will have valid reasons to stay in their country and not cross borders. The goal of this is to encourage
people to pursue the life they desire in their own country, close to their families and compatriots,
without the need to cross borders. This will be done by the initiative of Italy and any other country that
is willing to offer their assistance in the form of additional funding, human resources, and other items
that may be needed.
This effort will also focus on addressing the current issue of smugglers, which is essential for multiple
reasons. Smugglers charge exorbitant prices and make fake promises to vulnerable individuals. The
journey that will supposedly take them to a better place has appalling conditions (people crammed
into one vessel, lack of food, water etc.) alongside the chance that the people onboard will drown.
Finally, in the face of ever-changing circumstances and characteristics that may drive people to leave
their own borders, another solution that Italy proposes is the strengthening and improvement of
international refugee conventions. This would mean identifying any points that may be ameliorated
and modifying them accordingly. This, of course will be done in cooperation and coordination with
other members of the UN (United Nations). The best way to achieve our common goals is through
working together.
The safety and welfare of the citizens of Italy has always been one of the main priorities of the
government and considering the recent evolution in the political landscape, Italy will take a new look
at its stance and policies on immigration, taking into consideration the well-being and safety of its
people. This means that many options are on the table, however, Italy will honour the obligations it
has and make sure to respects EU and UN procedures.