It has become easier for foreign citizens to unite their family in Italy.
Anyone regularly resident in Italy no longer has to prove that a minor child resident abroad is dependent on him/her in order to bring that child into Italy.
Documents proving all relationships must only be presented to the Diplomatic Representative offices and not to the Single Desk Counter, which should speed matters up.
It will now be easier to bring together parents too as the person will only have to prove that he/she is supporting them.
The Bossi-Fini Law foresees, on the other hand, that you can only apply to be reunited with parents you support if they have no other children in the Country of origin.
This decree makes the rules on suitable lodgings more flexible; these must meet habitability requirements set by the Local Health Authority and not necessarily what the Regional Laws foresee.
Furthermore, those authorised to live in Italy to take care of a minor with psychological/physical problems are also allowed to work.
Till now, as that person did not have a valid stay permit for drawing up a labour contract, he/she inevitably joined the army of irregular workers.
In an innovative way compared to the past, to refuse, revoke or not renew the stay permit of someone who has applied to be united with his/her family, it will not just be enough to consider the lack of certain requirements (income, lodgings etc) but family ties, length of stay in the country and links with the Country of Origin will also have to be taken into consideration.
On the other hand, the application can be refused for public order or State safety reasons.
Finally, the reuniting of refugee families has also been disciplined. This can be applied for the same family categories and with the same procedure foreseen for all other foreign citizens. However, refugees will not have to prove they have suitable lodgings nor the economic requirements needed in other cases.
The re-uniting decree comes in force on 15th February so, from then onwards; applications can be made based on said new laws.