(Reuters) A new Italian law that narrows asylum rights in an effort to dissuade migrants from heading to Italy is repressive and inhumane, a leading rights watchdog said on Friday.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s nationalist government drew up the legislation after a shipwreck off southern Italy in February that killed more than 90 migrants.
The law, which was approved by parliament last week, envisages tougher jail terms for human smugglers and limits the scope for newcomers to receive “special protection” residency permits if they don’t qualify for full asylum.
“The new law will have a devastating impact on migrants’ rights, including their ability to seek protection, access fair asylum procedures, and enjoy freedom of movement,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement.
