Milan, Italy, 4 April 2024 — A new report from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) sheds light on the serious violations of basic rights faced by people seeking asylum in major Italian cities. Across Italy, individuals face prolonged waits while Immigration Offices handle their applications, or are turned away at police stations and told to "please wait."
The report comes exactly one year since the Police Headquarters and the Prefecture of Milan launched a new online system to apply for international protection. This was designed to ease barriers to accessing the asylum procedure. But, in practice, discriminatory practices persist, with the system introducing new burdens for people applying for protection.
Today many people in Italy are stuck in an asylum vacuum, without proper documentation, work or accommodation - caught in a state of limbo that can last for up to eight months. This waiting period puts people in a vulnerable and uncertain position, highlighting the pressing need for more efficient and compassionate procedures to ensure timely registration and support. The sheer volume of asylum applications - 13,000 filed in January 2024 alone - underscores the pressing need to act.
The Italian state must urgently resolve obstacles to the submission of requests for international protection, and establish minimum standards so that people are properly taken care of while their claims are being assessed.
Susanna Zanfrini, IRC's Italy Country Director, said:
"Widespread delays or obstacles in submitting applications for international protection that we have documented across Italy represent a serious violation of fundamental rights. We argue that access to asylum remains significantly restricted, if not entirely blocked, in various parts of Italy, as the Italian government's focus leans heavily on preventing arrivals in Europe rather than bolstering the reception system.
“It's time to shift from walls to welcome. Offering dignified reception and ongoing support to those seeking refuge, regardless of their country of origin or the journey they have undertaken, is a backbone of fair and humane treatment for all."
Marta Welander, IRC’s EU Advocacy Director, said:
“The obstacles to accessing the asylum system in Italy are symptomatic of a broader trend in Europe towards deterrence, rather than welcoming people with dignity and respect. It is vital that the EU and its member states shift their focus, and ensure that all people seeking protection can access their basic needs - including a safe place to stay while awaiting the outcome of their asylum procedure. They must safeguard and protect the fundamental right to asylum. And they must urgently scale up safe routes, so people have better options than risking their lives on dangerous journeys in the hope of being granted protection on arrival.”
The IRC in Italy
Present in the country since 2017, the IRC currently has 40 staff in Italy. Since January 2022 IRC Italy
reached 270,526 clients responding to the needs of people seeking protection through providing direct support to clients, working with local organisations, national authorities and institutions to improve the asylum system and humanitarian conditions. Actions cover the impacted regions of Lombardy, Sicily, Lazio, Piedmont and Friuli Venezia Giulia aiming to enhance refugees’ safety, power, education, economic empowerment and mental health – with a focus on the most vulnerable, including women and unaccompanied children (UAC). Learn more about the IRC's work in Italy.
Download Report: Please Wait: IRC Report Sheds Light on Violation of Asylum Rights in Italy (English)
Download Report: Please Wait: IRC Report Sheds Light on Violation of Asylum Rights in Italy (Italian)