Timeline: Italian Migrant Policy

Political turmoil in North Africa during 2011 led to a surge in the numbers of migrants arriving by sea on the shores of southern Italy. Some 40,000 migrants entered Italy during the year, almost half of them seeking refugee status. Many remain detained in camps and detention centers scattered across the country.

This timeline summarizes the main policy initiatives launched by the Italian government on migration, both before and after the dramatic events of 2011.