The Italian government is proposing financial incentives for lawyers who successfully persuade asylum seekers to voluntarily return to their home countries, drawing sharp criticism.
Italy Proposes Financial Incentives for Migrant Returns
The Italian government has drafted a new security decree that offers financial incentives to lawyers who convince migrants applying for asylum to voluntarily return to their countries of origin. The proposal has triggered a strong reaction from legal and political circles and is set to be voted on in the Chamber of Deputies.
Under the project, lawyers representing foreign nationals in asylum procedures could receive special bonuses if their clients opt for voluntary repatriation, with payment contingent on the migrant’s actual return.
Budget and Estimated Premiums
The government has allocated €246,000 for the program in 2026, with the budget expected to nearly double in 2027 and 2028. Italian media estimate the bonus per completed case could be around €615.
Part of Broader Policy Shift
This mechanism aligns with the broader strategy of Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has consistently tightened its migration policy since taking office, including measures to block migrant boats in the Mediterranean Sea under certain conditions.
Restrictions on Legal Aid and Constitutional Concerns
The decree also includes provisions that could significantly impact migrants’ access to legal defense. Individuals appealing deportation decisions may be denied state-funded legal assistance.
This aspect has raised concerns among lawyers and human rights organizations, who argue that limiting access to free legal aid could hinder migrants’ ability to effectively defend their rights in court.
Opposition from Legal Professionals
The Italian National Council of Lawyers stated it was not consulted on the proposed changes and called for their rejection. The Union of Criminal Chambers assessed that the new regulations may be unconstitutional, arguing that lawyers should not be rewarded for achieving results aligned with state interests but act independently, prioritizing the client’s well-being.
Judicial Concerns and Conflict of Interest
The judiciary has also expressed strong opposition, with the ANM judges’ association expressing concern that tying lawyers’ compensation to repatriation outcomes could undermine due process. Critics fear a potential conflict of interest, where lawyers’ decisions are influenced by financial gain rather than the client’s best interests.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The government’s proposals have faced fierce criticism from the opposition. Riccardo Magi of Più Europa described the plan as “Wild West-style rewards,” suggesting the state is financially incentivizing lawyers to act against migrants’ interests.
Debora Serracchiani of the Democratic Party labeled the solutions as “shameful” and undermining the dignity of the legal profession, while Valentina D’Orso of the Five Star Movement accused the government of using lawyers as tools to implement its migration policy.
