By Alimat Aliyeva

A referendum can be held on changing the law on granting citizenship to foreigners living in Italy in a short time, Azernews reports.

The main topic of discussion in Italy recently has been the amendment of the law on the acquisition of citizenship by foreigners and their children for a shorter period. Thus, one of the conditions for foreigners to obtain citizenship in Italy is a proposal to reduce the requirement of 10 years of continuous residence to 5 years. The required number of 500,000 signatures was collected as part of the campaign for changing the law and demanding a referendum. The collected signatures will be submitted to the Constitutional Court with a request to hold a referendum. The Constitutional Court is expected to decide on holding a referendum in February next year.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni said there was no need to change the existing law. According to him, a 10-year period of residence is an acceptable period for granting citizenship.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani said that he supports granting citizenship to minors born in Italy, who came to the country before the age of 12, permanently residing and having studied for at least 5 years.

It is worth noting that in order to obtain citizenship, foreigners living in Italy must reside in this country continuously for 10 years, not commit any crimes and declare their income. The children of foreigners born in Italy have the right to citizenship after living in this country continuously until they reach adulthood.