Adopted on November 28, the “Salvini decree” was spearheaded by far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini, who has taken a hard-line stance against immigration since Italy’s coalition government came to power in April.
The protesters donned French-style yellow vests adorned with the slogan “Get up! Stand Up! for your right” in a reference to the famous Bob Marley song.
They waved flags and banners, and chanted slogans such as “Stop Racism” and “No Salvini”.
The decree makes it easier for asylum seekers to be expelled from Italy and puts an end to two-year “humanitarian protection” residency permits – a lower level of asylum status based on Italian rather than international law – that were awarded to more than 20,000 asylum seekers last year.
Instead, residency permits will be awarded under stricter conditions such as a one-year “special protection” status or a six-month “natural disaster in country of origin” status.
The new law has been condemned by organisations such as the United Nations and the Italian Refugee Council.
Critics say the decree will increase the number of migrants in irregular legal situations.
They claim that those without papers will turn to illegal activities to make ends meet since they will not be able to be employed to receive social benefits.
