New platform for family reunification in Italy: what it is and how it works
Community of Practice, the new online platform created by Save the Children, Croce Rossa Italiana and others to promote and facilitate access to family reunification, has been launched. An initiative that aims to protect the fundamental right to family unity of refugees and migrants through exchange between international and nongovernmental organizations, institutions, social and legal workers and experts in the field.
In Italy, refugees have the opportunity to reunite with certain family members through the "family reunification" procedure. This opportunity is extended to the non-legally separated spouse or civil partner, minor natural or adopted children, adult children dependent for valid reasons, and parents dependent based on specific age or health criteria.
In particular, if an individual recognized as a refugee in Italy is a minor and separated from their parents or other caregivers, they have the right to reunite with them, without any age or condition limitations. However, to initiate the family reunification procedure, some documents are required, including the residence permit, passport or travel document, and documentation verifying family ties and the applicant's age.
It should be noted that, unlike other categories of non-European Union foreign citizens, refugees are not subject to income and housing eligibility requirements. The family reunification procedure consists of two distinct phases: applying for the "Nulla Osta" (clearance) at the Single Immigration Desk of the relevant Prefecture and subsequently applying for the visa at the Italian diplomatic representation abroad.
To obtain the Nulla Osta, the applicant must follow certain procedures, including obtaining a digital identity (SPID - Public Digital Identity Service), purchasing a tax stamp worth €16.00, completing online forms, and submitting the required documents at the Single Immigration Desk in their place of residence. Once the Nulla Osta is obtained, it must be sent to the family member with whom reunification is desired.
The family member, in turn, can submit the Nulla Osta at the relevant Italian diplomatic representation to apply for the visa, which has been transmitted electronically by the Single Immigration Desk in the meantime. They will also receive information on how to contact the Single Immigration Desk to schedule an appointment to apply for the residence permit once they arrive in Italy. It is crucial to adhere to an 8-day period for this communication.
If all procedures are followed correctly, and the family reunification application is approved, the Nulla Osta will be issued within 90 days of submission. However, in case the request is rejected, and the applicant believes they are entitled to family reunification, they have the option to file an appeal with the Ordinary Court, Specialized Section, in their place of residence.