Italy Amends Contested Migrant Repatriation Bonus Scheme

Italy Revises Controversial Migrant Repatriation Bonus Scheme After Criticism

Government Response to Criticism of Migrant Repatriation Bonus Scheme

By Angelo Amante

Background and Initial Criticism

ROME, April 24 (Reuters) - Italy's government on Friday rushed through a decree amending rules that offered financial rewards to lawyers helping to repatriate migrants, after the scheme drew criticism from opposition parties who said it could be unconstitutional.

The measure was part of a broader security package that parliament had to approve by April 25 or it would lapse. President Sergio Mattarella - who can refuse to sign legislation on constitutional grounds - had also expressed reservations, putting the government in a difficult position.

Government's Legislative Maneuver

To address the issue, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni left the security package unchanged to prevent it from expiring and passed a separate decree with the amendments shortly after parliament gave final approval to the original text.

"We would have preferred to make corrections during the process, but that would have caused the decree to lapse and created some problems," Meloni told reporters.

Details of the Original and Amended Bonus Scheme

Original Plan for Repatriation Bonuses

Under the original plan, lawyers assisting migrants with voluntary repatriation would receive state funding only if the process was successfully completed. About 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) had been earmarked for the bonuses through 2028.

Amendments Introduced by the Cabinet

The cabinet changes stipulate that payments worth around 615 euros will go not only to lawyers but also to other professionals assisting migrants, and bonuses will be paid even if repatriation is not completed, a statement said.

Reactions from Legal and Political Circles

Concerns from Lawyers' Associations

Italy's main lawyers' association had said the original proposal risked turning professionals into instruments of the right-wing government's policies to send migrants back home.

Opposition Criticism and Parliamentary Debate

The centre-left opposition lashed out at the government for letting parliament vote on a decree that it said contained an unconstitutional provision, adding that right-wing lawmakers cheered its approval.

Statements from Opposition Leaders

"This is a very serious matter for the quality of parliamentary work, for the dignity of parliament, but also for the quality of Italian democracy," said Nicola Fratoianni, from the Green-Left Alliance party.

Additional Information

($1 = 0.8557 euros)

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Sharon Singleton)