Headlines
Italy's Meloni Pledges to Amend Disputed Migrant Repatriation Bonus Scheme
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said her government will amend the controversial plan granting €615 bonuses to lawyers aiding migrant repatriations, acknowledging legal and presidential concerns but defended the overarching policy.
Meloni Vows Adjustments to Controversial Italy Migrant Repatriation Bonus
Government Response and Legislative Developments
By Alvise Armellini
Meloni's Stance on the Repatriation Bonus Plan
ROME, April 21 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday her government was prepared to make changes to a contested plan offering financial rewards to lawyers who help with migrants' repatriations, even as she stood by the broader idea.
Details of the Draft Legislation
Under draft legislation set to be approved by parliament this week, lawyers assisting migrants with voluntary repatriation would receive state money, but only if the procedure is successfully completed.
Criticism and Constitutional Concerns
The measure has been denounced as unconstitutional by lawyers and judges' associations, and has raised concerns from President Sergio Mattarella, who can refuse to sign legislation on constitutional grounds.
Legal Community's Reaction
According to the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers, the bill "is incompatible with the Constitution and the most basic principles of legal ethics" as it "turns defence lawyers into an instrument of government remigration policies."
Government's Consideration of Feedback
Meloni, who has headed a right-wing coalition in power since 2022, acknowledged that her government had received "technical observations" on the bill from the presidency and lawyers, which would be taken into account in a separate piece of legislation.
No Time to Fix the Decree
NO TIME TO FIX THE DECREE
Parliamentary Deadlines and Process
The measure is part of a so-called Security Decree which must receive final approval by the lower house of parliament by April 25, or else lapse. If it were amended, the upper Senate would also have to vote on it.
"There are no time margins ... to correct the decree," Meloni said, without elaborating on future amendments. "We are going ahead with rules that we consider to be of absolute common sense."
Financial Implications and Future Amendments
The decree, which earmarks 1.2 million euros ($1.4 million) for the lawyers' bonuses over the 2026 to 2028 period, is thus set to be approved as it is, but changed by a subsequent piece of legislation.
Political Context and Public Perception
Meloni's Political Position
Speaking to reporters in Milan, Meloni, who has been on the back foot since defeat in a referendum on judicial reform last month, rejected characterisations of the package as "a mess".
Currency Note
($1 = 0.8500 euros)
(Reporting by Alvise ArmelliniEditing by Keith Weir)
Key Takeaways
- •The security decree allocates €1.2 million from 2026–2028 for lawyers receiving a €615 bonus per successful voluntary repatriation of clients (en.wikipedia.org).
- •The scheme has drawn sharp criticism from legal bodies—the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers and the national bar council—labeling it unconstitutional and undermining legal ethics (theguardian.com).
- •President Mattarella reportedly expressed constitutional concerns over the €615 incentive, prompting Meloni to pledge changes via a separate bill, though time is short to amend the current decree before its April 25 deadline (ansa.it).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's Meloni pledges to amend disputed migrant repatriation bonus scheme
1What is the migrant repatriation bonus scheme in Italy?
It is a plan to reward lawyers with state money for successfully assisting migrants in voluntary repatriation.
2Why has Italy's migrant repatriation bonus scheme been criticized?
Legal associations say it is unconstitutional and conflicts with legal ethics by involving defense lawyers in government migration policy.
3Will the migrant repatriation bonus scheme be amended?
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said changes will be made in a separate bill, following technical feedback.
4How much money is set aside for Italy's lawyer bonus scheme?
The scheme allocates 1.2 million euros for lawyer bonuses between 2026 and 2028.
5When does the Italian parliament need to approve the Security Decree?
The lower house must approve it by April 25, or the decree will lapse.
