Italy Parliament Amendment Lowers Migrant Youth Support Age to 19

The Italian Parliament is debating an amendment to the Justice and Migration decree law that would cut the maximum age for state‑provided support to unaccompanied migrant youths from 21 to 19 years. The change, included in decree law No. 100 of 2026, would affect young migrants who arrived without family networks and are currently receiving educational, social and employment assistance.

Child‑rights organisations have warned that the reduction could interrupt studies, vocational training and job placement, pushing vulnerable youths toward marginalisation and exploitation. Save the Children and the Coordinamento nazionale Comunità accoglienti (CNCA) argue the measure creates discriminatory treatment, while Defence for Children International Italy stresses that many beneficiaries are still in school or precarious employment at 19. CNCA coordinator Liviana Marelli called the proposal “discriminatory,” and Defence for Children International Italy director Pippo Costella warned it could increase exposure to illegal activities and social exclusion.