On this page, you will find:
To find organisations working for LGBTQI+ rights, visit our Italy LGBTQI+ Resources page.
For Italy country of origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents visit our Italy COI page.
Refugee protection
Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by Italy.
The following sections contain information on the most important international treaties and agreements of which Italy is signatory, as well as national legislation relevant to the protection of refugees.
Italy is a signatory to the following international instruments and conventions:
- 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which provides the internationally recognised definition of a refugee and outlines the legal protection, rights, and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive.
- 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, which expanded the Convention to apply universally and protect all persons fleeing conflict and persecution.
- 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, which established a framework for the international protection of stateless persons.
- In 2015, Italy acceded to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, which set rules for the conferral and non-withdrawal of citizenship to prevent cases of statelessness from arising.
As part of the European Union (EU), Italy is additionally bound by the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) which aimed at introducing EU-wide standards for the equal treatment and protection of refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers entering the EU. The system is governed by five legislative instruments and one agency:
- Asylum Procedures Directive, aiming at setting out the conditions for fair, quick, and quality asylum decisions;
- Reception Conditions Directive, providing common standards for reception conditions across the EU;
- Qualification Directive, clarifying grounds for granting international protection;
- Dublin Regulation, establishing the State responsible for examining the application;
- EURODAC Directive, governing the EU database of asylum seekers fingerprints;
- European Union Agency for Asylum, providing operational and technical assistance to EU Member States in the assessment of applications for international protection.
The CEAS has been reformed by the New Pact on Migration and Asylum (the Pact), approved in 2024 and set to take effect in 2026. The Pact presents a complex package of ten legislative files intended to reform the EU’s migration and asylum system by establishing new EU-wide solutions to long-standing migration challenges.
While the Pact has been presented by EU institutions as delivering the intended results while remaining grounded in European values, human rights organisations and migration experts have long opposed and criticised its reforms. Here you can find a point by point analysis of the Pact by the European Council on Refugees and Exiles.
In addition to its obligations under the aforementioned international instruments, Italy is obligated to respect the international customary legal principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits any country from deporting any person to a country where they face the threat of persecution.
Italy has also ratified several other several other international legal instruments regarding refugees and asylum seekers, including:
- International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which obliges signatories to take action to eliminate racial discrimination in all forms.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which sets out protections for a wide range of human rights, including freedom from torture and other cruel or unusual punishment, fair trial rights, equality, and non-discrimination.
- The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which ensures the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights including the rights to education, fair and just working conditions, adequate standards of living, social security, and the highest attainable standard of health.
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which sets out provisions to ensure women’s full enjoyment of human rights on an equal basis with men
- International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which protects children’s rights and obliges public bodies to consider children’s best interests
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which seeks to eliminate disability discrimination and safeguard the rights of disabled people.
- The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW), which sets standards for national laws and procedures to protect migrant workers’ rights.
- The Convention Against Torture (CAT), which requires signatories to take effective measures to prevent acts of torture.
In Italy, the only authority responsible for examining asylum applications is the Territorial Commission for the Recognition of International Protection.
Whilst UNHCR is not involved in the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) process, it assists refugees and asylum-seekers at arrival points, facilitates access to international protection procedures, and monitors the quality of the asylum system. UNHCR and partner staff also work together with local authorities and civil society actors to support refugees and stateless persons in the integration process into Italian communities and to ensure that they are engaged in refugee and local communities through a wide range of activities.
Article 10(3) of the Italian Constitution provides that any “foreigner who, in his home country, is denied the actual exercise of the democratic freedoms guaranteed by the Italian constitution” is “entitled to the right of asylum under the conditions established by law”. The procedure for seeking asylum is set out in Legislative Decree No.25.2008, which implements the EU Directive 2005/85/EC (and subsequent amendments) on minimum standards for procedures for granting and withdrawing refugee status.
Under Article 31-1 of Law No.189/2002, eligible individuals can access accommodation and legal advice at Immigration Reception Services (SAIs), operated by a national network of local authorities and organisations under the Protection System for Refugee Asylum Seekers.
In February 2024, the Italian Parliament ratified an agreement with Albania to send 36,000 people (who have been rescued at sea and are nationals of “safe” countries) to detention centres in Albania. The agreement has faced repeated judicial challenges, with one case referred to the European Court of Justice which is expected to issue a final ruling in May or June 2025.
A number of urgent provisions relating to access to asylum reception facilities have also been introduced in Law No. 187/2024, including restricting access for asylum seekers who file their applications more than 90 days after entering Italy and prioritising access based on arrival method (with greatest priority given to those who arrive in Italy via search and rescue operations).
The Asylum Information Database (AIDA) provides a summary of the relevant legislation and policy in Italy, which you can find here.
It is advisable to make your asylum application as soon as possible after entering Italy. Applications can be made at the border police office, within Italy at the provincial Immigration Office (Ufficio immigrazione), or with the police (Questura). When applications are made at the border, border police will invite applicants to present themselves at the Questura for formal registration.
After you make your application, it is sent to the Territorial Commission for International Protection (or Sub-Commissions), which is responsible for conducting a substantive asylum interview. A number of procedures may apply: regular (interview within 30 days and a decision issued within three working days following), border (interview within seven days and a decision within two working days following), or accelerated (five, seven, or nine days total). These time limits are not always met – in some cases the procedure can last for as long as 18 months.
Refugee.info Italia has produced a helpful overview of the asylum procedure, available here. The Juma Map, an interactive map operated by ARCI, also shows the services available to refugees and asylum seekers throughout Italy. You can search the map according to the type of service provided (for example, legal, administrative, psychosocial, language classes), languages spoken, and specific groups (for example, services for LGBTQI+ people, minors, women).
Legal aid organisations
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Email: cases@advocatesabroad.org
Advocates Abroad is a legal aid organisation connecting refugees with volunteer local and foreign attorneys, interpreters, asylum experts, and medical and psychosocial service providers. Field offices are located throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
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Address: Via San Bernardino 4 – 20122, Milan
Tel: (+39) 0276316718
Email: info@avvocatiperniente.it
Avvocati per Niente is an association of volunteer lawyers and legal experts providing legal assistance at a variety of stages. It focuses specifically on immigration law, civil and administrative law, gender-based violence, and advice for families and minors. To access its legal services, individuals must be referred by one of its founding bodies: Foundazione Caritas Ambrosiana, Associazione Cena dell’Amicizia, Fondazione San Carlo Onlus, Fondazione San Bernardino Onlus, or Fondazione Casa della Cartià.
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Address: Via F. Brambila, 8 – 2018, Milan
Tel: +39 3401264360
Email: relazione@casadellacarita.org
Casa Della Carità (House of Charity) is a Catholic organisation which operates a residence for minors and young adults, single women, women with children, and families with insecure housing. Its legal counter provides free legal advice by appointment on weekdays, including advice on asylum applications, appeals, and support in interactions with the police and other public bodies. It also runs a number of day services including medical and psychiatric clinics, a listening centre, a shower and wardrobe centre, and creative workshops.
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Email: CIPBRA@cild.eu
Hosted by the Italian Coalition for Civil Liberties and Rights (CILD) with the support of four international law firms, CIPBRA is a network of lawyers providing pro bono legal assistance for Afghan individuals and families seeking asylum in Italy. It offers training, supervision, and support with family reunification and other pathways to Italy.
Fondazione Caritas Ambrosiana (FCA)
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Address (SAI – Reception Centre): Via Galvani, 16 -20124 Milan
Tel: +39 0267380261
Email: sai@caritasambrosiana.it
Fondazione Caritas Ambrosiana is a Catholic organisation working in the Diocese of Milan to tackle social exclusion, poverty, and discrimination. It operates an Immigrant Reception Service (SAI) through which it offers legal advice. It also offers a range of other services, including digital skills training, job search advice, and projects tackling food poverty and social exclusion.
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Address: Via del Velabro 5/A, 00186 Rome (RM)
Tel: +39 0669200114
Email: cir-rifugiati@pec.it
CIR defends the rights of refugees through direct legal assistance, wider advocacy campaigns, and analysis of the impact of national and international regulations. It has offices in six regions (Lombardy, Vento, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Puglia, and Sicily) offering legal assistance and support. It also manages SAIs in Verona, Roviano, Rome, Catania, and Badolato. See here for contact information for CIR branch offices throughout Italy and here for a list of staff contacts.
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Address: Viale della Stazione, n. 51, 25122 Brescia
Tel: +39 0303752833 (general) / +39 337 148 8628 (Whatsapp)
Email: info@k-pax.eu (general) / sportello.brescia@rifugiati.eu (legal desk)
The K-PAX Co-operative was founded by a group with lived experience of the Italian asylum system and those with experience of working in SAIs and delivering services to asylum seekers. It aims to promote the integration of vulnerable groups, working with other local bodies and services to support those in difficult socio-economic situations. Its main areas of work include providing social housing for vulnerable groups, social and cultural integration support, reception services, counselling, training, and awareness-raising amongst local communities. It manages SAI projects in the municipalities of Brescia and Breno and operates a legal desk in partnership with the Brescia municipality, offering free legal assistance.
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Address: Via Zamenhof, 7/A, 20136 Milan (main office) / Via Ettore Ponti 21 – 20143 Milan (Har Centre)
Tel: +39 02 58102599 (main office) / +39 02 3925466 (Har Centre)
Email: naga@naga.it or har@naga.it
Naga is a voluntary organisation based in Milan working across socio-health, legal and social issues, refugees and asylum seekers, and research. Within each of these areas, Naga offers free services including medical support, psychiatric and psychological counselling, and legal assistance. It also monitors and analyses the reception system for asylum seekers in Milan. At its Har centre, Naga offers training and socialisation services, including courses in Italian and computer literacy, as well as musical and sporting activities.
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Email: info@probonoitalia.org
Pro Bono Italia is an association of lawyers, law firms, and specialists offering free legal assistance through its associates and network members. Requests for assistance are made to Pro Bono Italia Clearinghouse, which then forwards the request to the network of members. You can access the request form for pro bono assistance here. It also organises workshops, seminars and webinars on relevant legal, social, and cultural matters, such as the Know Your Rights workshop developed specifically for asylum seekers.
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Address: Via Ettore Giovenale, 79, Roma
Tel: 06 298777
Email: segreteria@progettodiritti.it
Opening hours: Rome Legal Desk, Monday to Friday 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM (mornings by appointment)
Progetto Diritti is a non-profit organisation offering legal assistance at Legal Points in Rome, Ostia, Terracina, Catania and Palermo (click the links for regional contact details). Services include information and assistance on family reunification, asylum, and the acquisition of citizenship, as well as support and mediation through interactions with public bodies such as the police.
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Email: info@proiura.org
The Rule 39 Pro Bono Initiative is a collaborative, Europe-wide project hosted by Pro Iura and supported by nine law firms. The project provides free assistance to refugees in submitting cases to the European Court of Human Rights, with a special focus on urgent interim relief under the European Court of Human Rights’ Rule 39. Rule 39 requests are typically sought to stop collective push-backs, prevent the removal of individuals to countries where their human rights are at risk, ensure provision of dignified reception conditions, and ensure provision of food and resources to individuals at or in between borders.
Organisations providing other support to refugees
Address: Via dei Monti di Pietralata 16 – 00157 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 416091
Email: presidenza@arci.it (presidency) / immigrazione@arci.it (immigration office)
ARCI is an NGO working across 6 thematic areas, including issues related to immigration, asylum and citizenship. It runs various campaigns aiming to promote the rights of refugees and build solidarity. Its Juma Map platform maps out services offered to refugees throughout Italy.
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Address: Via U. Monari 2 40137 Bologna
Email: info@asiloineuropa.it
Asilo in Europa is an NGO focused on promoting the right to asylum and international protection through training, information, and analysis. It publishes country of origin information to support practitioners and lawyers working on asylum and carries out research upon request. It also organises training and seminars for social workers and reception centre staff, in addition to public conferences on national and European developments.
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Address: Via Sigismondo Gerdil, 7, 10152 Torino TO
Tel: +39 011 4369158
Email: segreteria@asgi.it
ASGI is an association of lawyers, academics, consultants, and civil society representatives advocating for national and international immigration reform. With a special focus on all aspects of immigration, ASGI carries out international protection campaigns for refugees in Italy and throughout Europe. It aims to promote information and research on immigration issues, formulate policy proposals and lobby, and contribute to training and improvement within the immigration sector.
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Address: Via Ritiro n° 24, 97015 Modica (RG)
Tel: +39 331 2048044
Email: info@borderlinesicilia.it
Borderline Sicilia carries out migration monitoring in Sicily, publishing annual reports on migrant arrival and administrative detention. It also publishes regular articles on current events and monthly newsletters containing legal and social advice. In addition to its monitoring work, Borderline Sicilia operates a variety of projects providing information and analysing regulatory changes and current events, such as the ‘Patto in Chiaro’ (Pact in Clear) podcast series analysing the Pact.
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Address: Via Aurelia 796, 00165, Roma
Tel: +39 06661771
Email: segreteria@caritas.it
Caritas Italiana is part of the wider Caritas Internationalis network. It provides a range of humanitarian services to refugees in Italy, Greece, and Ukraine. It also runs listening centres to gather stories and testimonies from those with lived displacement experience and organises a variety of human rights activist campaigns. See Caritas addresses for each Italian diocese here and departmental email addresses here – local services may include legal advice and other support depending on location.
Address: Via Anfiteatro, 14 20121 Milan
Tel: 02 869 3194
Email: info@associazioneverga.org
Fondazione Franco Verga, based in Milan, offers a variety of services aimed at supporting refugees in Italy. They operate a guidance and counselling desk, a career guidance desk, and Italian language and culture courses.
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Address: Via Bernardino Ramazzini 31 – 00151- Rome
Tel:+390647591
Email: comitato.nazionale@cert.cri.it (national headquarters) / tracing@cri.it (restoring family links)
The Italian Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Movement is bound by seven fundamental principles, including humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, so they help people according to need and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sex, gender, or disability. The Italian Red Cross operates in all ports, offering humanitarian assistance to individuals arriving by sea. It also runs a family reunification service and a variety of social inclusion projects, including the Marcel’s Bridge Project which helps asylum seekers into employment by providing training and internships in the catering sector. See the contact details for regional branches here.
Refugee.info Italy, managed by the International Rescue Committee Italia, is a digital information service for refugees in Italy. It provides information on administrative procedures, rights, services, and adjusting to life in Italy in English, French, Pashto, Dari/Farsi, Ukrainian, and Arabic over digital channels and media accounts. The website can be messaged directly via WhatsApp or Telegram for more targeted advice.
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Address: Archdiocese of Turin, Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Via Cottolengo 22, 10152 Turin
Tel: (+39) 011.2462092
Email: prenotazioni@upmtorino.it
UPM, in the Office of the Archdiocese of Turin, promotes the socio-cultural integration of foreign communities within the diocesan territory through a range of activities, including Italian language and culture courses. It also operates a family reunification service and supports citizenship applications and residence permit renewal.
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Email: contact@w2eu.info
W2eu.info is an online platform hosting a range of resources and information for refugees and migrants on current national and international asylum frameworks. It has produced a number of guides containing information on arrival in Italy, accessible here. The website also provides contacts for legal aid and counselling services across Europe. The website is available in English, French, Arabic, and Farsi.
Italy LGBTQI+ Resources
Find organisations working for refugee LGBTQI+ rights in Italy.
Italy COI
Find Italy Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated June 2025
