The Italian government will open its national civil service activities to refugees and humanitarian protection holders. The services were previously available only to Italian citizens.
A protocol of intent was signed with which the government will expand the activities of the country's civil service to refugees and humanitarian protection holders. The government agrees "to develop actions aimed at ensuring paths of social inclusion to international and humanitarian protection holders through civic engagement activities with the national civil service," according to a statement by the labor ministry. The aim is to "support autonomy for international and humanitarian protection holders, improve their employability, and enhance their competencies."
Social utility projects for refugees
The national civil service assigns and carries out assistance and social utility or cultural promotion projects. Projects eligible under the protocol include assistance (social rights defence and personal services), civil protection, the environment, cultural and artistic heritage, education and cultural promotion. Labor ministry Undersecretary Luigi Bobba said the project submission phase will involve nearly 3,000 volunteers.
A step forward for integration
Funds from the FAMI project (Fund for Asylum, Migration and Integration) will be used to develop these civil service projects. The fund is dedicated to supporting hospitality and integration projects for asylum seekers. According to the protocol, there will also be a commitment to collaborations regarding information and communication initiatives aimed at international and humanitarian protection holders.
"The agreement represents a first step towards the integration of people who have received international protection or humanitarian protection," said interior ministry Undersecretary Domenico Manzione, adding, "It's a small step, but an important one, and it goes in the right direction."