Italy to Prohibit SIM Cards for Migrants Without Valid Residence Permits

Key Takeaways

1. Italy's right-wing party is proposing a bill to ban anonymous SIM cards for security reasons.
2. The left-wing opposes the measure, arguing that it would disproportionately affect migrants.
3. Without SIM cards, migrants may struggle to find jobs and face difficulties obtaining residence permits.

Representatives from Italy's Fratelli d’Italia party have proposed a ban on anonymous SIM cards for foreigners without residence permits, citing concerns over security and transparency in communications.

The proposal, put forward by Giovanni Donzelli and Francesco Michelotti, aims to eliminate so-called "ghost SIM cards," which are used by individuals who cannot be easily identified, according to Schengen.News.

The measure was introduced during discussions on the new Security Bill. Additionally, it was suggested that those involved in the misuse of SIM cards could face penalties, including a ban on purchasing phone cards for up to two years.

Opposition to the Proposal

Political groups such as +Europa, the Five Star Movement, and the Green and Left Alliance have voiced opposition, stressing that this measure could negatively impact vulnerable groups, particularly migrants. They argue that migrants without SIM cards would face challenges in communication, job searching, and even securing necessary documents.

Stefania Ascari of the Five Star Movement warned that passing this bill could push migrants further into a "ghostly" legal status, making social integration even more difficult.

The bill's first reading must be approved by the Chamber before moving to further debates in the Senate, where more intense discussions are expected.

Italy's Immigration Context

Italy remains a primary destination for migrants. According to ISTAT, the national statistics agency, Italy saw an influx of 697,000 migrants, with a notable increase in foreign residents, totaling over five million by 2023.

Foreigners made up 8.7% of Italy's population in 2023, with most living in northern and central regions such as Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, where 85% of residence permits were issued.