Italy Tightens Rules For Asylum Seekers

Italy has approved new measures to fine charities who rescue asylum seekers at sea, a cabinet decree on Thursday said.

The NGOs’ ships must also inform those on board that they can ask for international protection anywhere in the European Union, the decree said.

Captains breaching these rules risk fines of up to 50,000 euros and repeated violations can result in the impoundment of the vessel.

In 2022, about 102,000 asylum seekers have disembarked in Italy, according to interior ministry data.

The number peaked at more than 181,000 in 2016.

In other news, Italy has also mandated COVID-19 tests on arrival for all travellers by air from China.

In the EU, only Italy has done so, while others are waiting for a common stance across others.