In a recent meeting, the government acknowledged the need to simplify processes for foreign workers entering the country. However, officials emphasized that reforms will not involve altering the Bossi-Fini law, a key piece of immigration legislation.
The Bossi-Fini law, named after its architects, former ministers Umberto Bossi and Gianfranco Fini, was enacted to regulate immigration with stricter measures. Key provisions include:
- More stringent requirements for foreigners and their families to obtain residence permits.
- A mandate for foreign workers to secure employment before arriving in Italy, allowing third-country nationals to fill positions that cannot be filled by Italian or EU citizens.
- Expanded powers for authorities to deport or detain undocumented migrants.
- Penalization of employers who hire workers without proper documentation.
Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano announced that new guidelines for immigration reform are set to be included in a decree law, which will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers. While the government seeks to improve the current system, Mantovano reiterated that the fundamental principles of the Bossi-Fini law will remain unchanged. The goal is to balance the need for labor with stringent immigration controls, ensuring smoother pathways for legal migration while upholding the country’s existing framework.