Tajani said Italy’s ius sanguinis (blood right) law will remain and “many descendants of emigres will still be able to obtain Italian citizenship”.

“But,” he went on, “precise limits will be set, particularly to avoid abuses and the phenomena of the commercialisation of Italian passports.

“Italian citizenship is a serious thing,” said the foreign minister.

“It’s not a game to get a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami.”

The foreign ministry explained in a note that only someone who has at least a parent or a grandparent who was born in Italy will be automatically granted Italian citizenship.

Under the changes, this right will be limited to two generations.

The note said that the main countries of Italian emigration have of late recorded a strong increase in successful citizenship applications.

Between the end of 2014 and the end of 2024, citizens residing abroad have increased from some 4.6 million to 6.4 million, up 40 per cent in a decade, it said.

For Nicola Carè, a Democratic Party MP elected in the overseas constituency covering Africa, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica, this represents “an attack on the fundamental rights of emigrants and their descendants”.

“The recent changes to the Italian citizenship law are unacceptable and ridiculous,” he said.

“The official reason, which claims to ‘protect’ the citizenship acquisition process, is just a pretext.

“Becoming an Italian citizen is not just a formality; it’s a recognition of identity, culture and belonging.

“These changes upend and deny acquired rights, undermining the dignity of millions of Italians abroad and their families.”

Carè said that “restrictions and complications are being imposed without any reasonable justification”.

“The timing and method of this legislative move are inadequate and show a complete disconnect from the real needs of those who have chosen to carry the Italian name and values around the world,” he continued.

“We will fight with all our strength to defend the rights of Italians abroad. We won’t allow our identity to be sold off for mere political gain.”