Italy cabinet softens harsh Salvini migrant laws

Italy's cabinet yesterday softened tough anti-migrant laws penned by far-right chief Matteo Salvini, making it easier for people to apply for humanitarian protection or obtain work permits. The centre-left coalition government had pledged on coming to power last year that it would overhaul Salvini's draconian laws, which penalised charity ships rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, and had been widely criticised by rights campaigners. Previously, asylum was only granted to those who risked being tortured if repatriated. Protection will now be extended to those who risk being subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment, or having their right to private and family life violated.

Source: Reuters