A forthcoming government decree in Italy could authorize the expulsion of legally residing foreigners if they are deemed a threat to public order or national security, as revealed by a draft document obtained by Reuters.
This proposed measure is scheduled for approval during a cabinet meeting to be held on Wednesday and is a key component of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing administration’s efforts to address the increasing number of boat arrivals from North Africa.
Additionally, the draft decree outlines provisions for situations where there is a substantial influx of migrants. It permits reception centers to accommodate up to twice their normal capacity during such periods.
In response to challenges in housing unaccompanied migrant children, the draft decree allows minors over the age of 16 to be housed in reception centers for adults for a maximum of three months.
Furthermore, the document enables the expulsion of migrants who make false claims about their age and grants law enforcement authorities expanded powers to assess the age of incoming migrants using body measurements and X-rays.
Once approved by the cabinet, the decree would take immediate effect but would require parliamentary ratification within two months; otherwise, it would expire. The ratification process may involve potential amendments.
Prime Minister Meloni’s coalition government came to power with promises of immigration control. However, this year has seen over 133,000 migrants arriving across the Mediterranean, compared to just under 70,000 during the same period in 2022.
To deter migrants from embarking on sea crossings, the government recently approved measures to extend the duration of migrant detention and increase the number of detention facilities. Notably, the administration also decreed that migrants would have to pay nearly 5,000 euros ($5,288) to avoid detention while their requests for protection are processed—an action criticized by the opposition and human rights organizations.
