Immigrant workers who lose their jobs now have a longer period to look for new ones before losing the right to live in Italy.
The Labour Market Reform Law which was published in the Official Gazette on 3rd July 2012, has entered into force today.
It contains an article that amends the Immigration Law and protects unemployed immigrants.
Under the new rule, immigrant workers who become unemployed (by either being fired or resigning) will be allowed to register with employment centres, a move that will entitle them to Job Search Permits valid for at least one year. Previously they could only be issued permits valid for six months.
They’ll also have the right to remain in the country as long as they are receiving unemployment benefits.
After this period, the unemployed immigrants will have to prove that they have an income which is not lower than the amount of the Social Allowance. This amount varies every year. For this year, it has been fixed at 5,577 Euros. The income of each immigrant’s nuclear family members will be taken into consideration.
Ministry of Home Affairs has notified all the Provincial Police Headquarters of the new rule.
