Those who have left their country because they face persecution or serious harm there may apply for protection in Italy. The application is examined by the competent Territorial Commission, which decides after hearing the applicant; a negative decision may be brought before a court.
The firm assists applicants at the various stages of the procedure: preparing for the hearing, examining the decision received, challenging it before the court, and the issues that arise during the waiting period.
The forms of protection
- Refugee status, for those who fear persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
- Subsidiary protection, for those who, while not falling within the definition of a refugee, would face a real risk of serious harm if returned.
- Special protection and other forms provided by Italian law, which also take into account family ties and the integration built up in Italy.
Which form applies depends on the personal history and on the situation in the country of origin: this is an assessment that can only be made on the individual case.
The hearing before the Commission
This is the central moment of the procedure. The account given is recorded in the minutes and the decision rests largely upon it: consistency, precision as to dates and places, and the documentation that can be produced all affect the outcome.
Preparing means setting out one's own story in an orderly way, gathering whatever can support it — documents, certificates, medical reports, court records, correspondence — and knowing how the interview is conducted.
If the application is rejected
A negative decision may be challenged before the competent court within a time limit running from service. That time limit is short and does not reopen: anyone who receives a refusal should seek advice at once, bringing the decision and proof of the date on which it was received.
In certain cases provided by law, lodging an appeal does not automatically suspend the effects of the decision: this too is a reason not to wait.
What to prepare
- the C3 form and the receipt of the application, if available;
- the residence permit for asylum application, even if expired;
- the decision of the Commission, with the date of service;
- the minutes of the hearing, if a copy was provided;
- any document concerning the personal history, including in the original language;
- medical certificates, if there are relevant health conditions.
Language is not an obstacle
You may write to the firm in your own language: messages are translated in both directions. It should be made clear, however, that automatic translation serves to make the exchange possible and does not replace sworn translation, which remains necessary for documents and records intended for an authority where the law requires it.
The initial review of the situation can also be carried out remotely; how it works is described in the dedicated guide.
Related areas
Residence permit · Italian citizenship · Family reunification · How remote consultation works
This page is for information purposes and describes the areas the firm works in. It does not replace the examination of the individual case, which requires an assessment of the documents and of the specific circumstances. For advice, you may request an appointment.