Italy has tightened its citizenship laws, now requiring individuals to have Italian parents or grandparents in order to obtain citizenship by descent. Previously, anyone able to trace their lineage to an Italian ancestor alive since 1861 could apply, resulting in a flood of applications from those with distant connections to Italy. Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani described the old system as outdated and highlighted concerns that individuals were exploiting citizenship for easier global travel, thus emphasizing the seriousness of Italian citizenship.
Tajani stated that the change was necessary to tackle individuals who exploit the system simply to gain easier travel rights, suggesting it diminishes the seriousness of citizenship.
Under the previous law, anyone tracing their lineage back to Italian ancestry could apply, but concerns arose over applicants without 'real connection' to Italy.
The law has been amended in response to a surge of applications from descendants of Italian emigrants, indicating a need for stricter eligibility criteria.
Minister Tajani emphasized the importance of Italian citizenship, asserting it should not be used merely as a tool for convenience, like shopping trips.
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