Italy softens harsh migration rules championed by Salvini

Italy has softened harsh rules penalising aid groups that bring undocumented migrants ashore and extended protection for refugees who risk persecution at home. The so-called “security decrees”, which former Interior Minister and far-right leader Matteo Salvini spearheaded in 2018 and 2019, were amended by a government decree approved by the cabinet late on Monday. Rescue boats which violate official orders in carrying out their activity will now face lighter fines of up to $59,000, compared with up to $1.18m previously, according to the decree. The fines for rescue charities that make unauthorised entries into Italian territorial waters are not applicable if charity vessels liaise with their flag state and maritime authorities coordinating search-and-rescue operations and follow their instructions, the government said. Migrants and refugees will, meanwhile, not be expelled if they “risk being subjected to torture or inhumane treatment” at home, under the new rules, which also make it easier for those who hold special residence permits to obtain a regular working visa. “The propaganda/Salvini decrees are no more,” tweeted Nicola Zingaretti, leader of the Democratic Party (PD), which is in a coalition government with the populist Five-Star Movement. “We want a more humane and safe Italy.” The decree was passed late on Monday despite opposition from some Five-Star Movement politicians, who were unwilling to water down rules approved under their former coalition with Salvini’s anti-immigrant League party. Salvini, who remains a popular figure in Italian politics, denounced the move, while the League said it would start collecting signatures against it. “Open ports (and wallets) for smugglers and illegal migrants are back,” Salvini said in a statement. “We will stop them.” style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;">