Consequently, Gambians and other non-EU nationals seeking Italian citizenship would now expect five years’ duration for the process instead of ten.
According to the current law, Gambians must reside in the country for at least ten years in order to qualify to apply for citizenship.
However, this route has been widely criticised as “inconsistent” with other EU rules on migrants.
Thus, several appeals and signatures demanding a reform of an “outdated” law gained momentum.
The Constitutional Court thus ruled that a referendum is "permissible" and should go ahead accordingly.
During investigations, The Point also learnt separately that the consular fee for Gambians applying for citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) has increased from 300 to 600 Euros.
Under the old but still current 1992 legislation, Gambians and other non-EU nationals’ children born in Italy to foreign citizens cannot apply for citizenship until they turn 18. They must legally and continuously reside in the country and must submit a specific declaration.
This correspondent also understands that the government has equally set a date for other different referendums regarding immigration.
These votes include a ballot on simplification of the country’s “stringent and inflexible” citizenship rules.
Responding to this correspondent on Thursday noon, an official privy, with the process, noted: “Following subsequent online petitions with hundreds of thousands of signature, the Court has no other choice but to give a green light … However, it also involves other suitability and good character requirements for any kind of approval to happen …”
The vote is expected between April and June.
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