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A series of radical measures that will allow the Italian government to abolish the main forms of protection of migrants and facilitate their expulsion has been approved by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's cabinet.
Written by Matteo Salvini, the right-wing Minister of the Interior and head of the League, the decree will also suspend the asylum application process of people considered "socially dangerous" or convicted of felony .
Salvini, who blocked aid ships from Italian port NGOs to reduce the number of migrants arriving in the country by sea, said the bill was "a step towards making Italy safer." ".
He said it would also strengthen the fight against the mafia and human traffickers, give the police greater powers and "expel criminals and false refugees".
Parliament has 60 days to debate and amend the decree before it becomes law.
The plans provide for the abolition of humanitarian protection, a form of protection for persons not eligible for refugee status who, for various reasons, can not be returned home and a special permit system limiting eligibility for those with a serious illness.
Salvini promised last week to stop giving permits to "malignant migrants who would not escape the war".
Christopher Hein, professor of law and immigration policy at Luiss University in Rome, said the measures could have a dramatic impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people in the country.
The majority of migrants who have arrived in Italy in recent years have been granted two-year humanitarian protection status, entitling them to a residence permit and allowing them to work.
"Many more people are using this permit than the number of recognized refugees – last year it was about 25% of all asylum seekers," said Hein.
Salvini's decision could, however, lead to an increase in the number of irregular migrants.
"If people do not have the opportunity to get that kind of protection or do not make an attempt, or if they are rejected, that does not mean that the next day they go home," said Hein.
"The ultimate goal is to have no refugees at all in Italy by combining efforts: closure of seaports, criminalization of relief NGOs to migrants, strengthening of collaboration with the Coast Guard and now, with this decree, can come in the future and not receive protection – it's a deterrent.
The proposed suspension of asylum applications from people considered "socially dangerous" could lead to the expulsion of people on the basis of accusations of deviation rather than convictions.
The decree did not include measures against the Roma community, although Salvini stated that he was in discussion with the mayors of the big cities to make sure that all the camps were closed.
