
What is International Protection?
It is a right recognized in Italy for people who:
- Are refugees, persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.
- Need subsidiary protection, due to risk of torture, death penalty, or armed conflicts in their country.
📍 Stages of the procedure
- Expression of will: tell the police you wish to apply for protection.
- Identification: collection of personal data and fingerprints.
- Formalization of the application (Form C3).
- Interview with the Territorial Commission.
- Evaluation and decision on your case.
- Appeal before a judge if the application is rejected.
📑 Your rights
- Remain in Italy legally during the procedure.
- Receive healthcare and education.
- Access to work (after 2 months).
- Be accommodated in a center if you lack resources.
- Be informed in your language and have access to an interpreter.
⚠️ Your obligations
- Cooperate with authorities.
- Communicate any change of address.
- Attend the interview.
- Remain in Italy during the procedure.
🏠 Accommodation
- Lodging, food, basic necessities, medical assistance, psychological and legal aid.
- You must respect the center's rules. If you do not, you may lose the right to accommodation.
📋 Possible outcomes of the application
- Refugee: if you fear serious persecution.
- Subsidiary protection: if there is a risk of serious harm without being a refugee.
- Special protection: exceptional situations of danger.
- Rejection: due to lack of requirements or if the application is manifestly unfounded.
🧑⚖️ What to do if your application is rejected?
- You can appeal before a judge (deadline: 7, 15, or 30 days).
- In some cases, you can submit a new application if there are new elements.
📄 After recognition If you are a beneficiary of protection:
- You receive a residence permit (5 years for refugees, 1 year for special protection).
- You can work, study, reunite with your family, access social aid, and apply for citizenship (after 5 or 10 years, depending on the case).



