interviews: Sophie Renhuldt
Pierpaolo Roberti, councilor for Local Autonomies, Public Function, Security, and Immigration, unveiled a new initiative called the “Rights Protection and Support Desk for Foreign Communities in Friuli Venezia Giulia.” This project, funded by the Region and developed in collaboration with the National Association Beyond Borders (Anolf) and Cisl Fvg, aims to address immigration issues in a practical way. Law 9 of 2023, passed in March, at the heart of this effort, focuses on assisting the more than 100,000 foreign residents who are part of the regional community, especially those affected by irregular and illegal immigration.
“We believe this initiative can bring tangible benefits to foreign citizens, particularly those who have long been part of our region,” said Roberti. “We’re fully aligned with the project’s promoters on a key principle: achieving full integration requires understanding both the host country’s rules and the rights everyone should enjoy.”
The objective of this network of desks, already operational in Trieste, Monfalcone, Udine, and Pordenone, is to collaborate with municipal services to provide accurate information, direct individuals to appropriate services, ensure equal access for foreign citizens to public administration offices and opportunities, offer translation and interpretation services, and foster cultural mediation between institutions and communities.
With two decades of field experience, Anolf operators offer free guidance on vital topics such as employment, housing, health, and education, and can also assist with legal procedures.
The presentation also emphasized the importance of consultancy for local entrepreneurs regarding visa issuance procedures and management of employment for foreign citizens.
“Friuli Venezia Giulia is undergoing significant economic growth, presenting a remarkable opportunity for regular foreign workers who have chosen to build their future in our region,” concluded Roberti.
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