Italian Communities Unlikely To Face Negative Impact Over New Migration Law - Lega Party

Italian Communities Unlikely to Face Negative Impact Over New Migration Law - Lega Party

Italian communities hosting refugee reception centers will not be affected by the proposed restrictions on migrants and asylum seekers, Gianmatteo Ferrari of Italy's Lega party told Sputnik, commenting on fears that the measures will bring about an influx of unemployed refugees.

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2018) Italian communities hosting refugee reception centers will not be affected by the proposed restrictions on migrants and asylum seekers, Gianmatteo Ferrari of Italy's Lega party told Sputnik, commenting on fears that the measures will bring about an influx of unemployed refugees.

On Wednesday, the Italian upper house approved the security and immigration decree which is aimed at facilitating procedures for deporting asylum seekers that were found guilty of felonies and toughening the process of granting residency permits. The Italian mayors' association reportedly expressed concerns that the legislation would increase the number of unemployed migrants in small communities.

"Reception centers in Italy certainly can accommodate newcomers. The law also provides for a reduction in the timing to recognize asylum to those who are really entitled. This will help. For all the others there will be repatriation," the politician said.

According to Ferrari, the law is focused on those immigrants who violate laws and seeks to lay legal grounds for their expulsion.

"If migrants who commit crimes also have Italian citizenship, the law will allow it to be revoked in the presence of serious crimes and after the migrant has been definitively convicted. It seems to me a just and common sense law," he said.

The lower house of Italian parliament is expected to vote on the decree by the end of November.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations among migrants, accounting for nearly 22,000 of sea arrivals since the beginning of this year.