Italy: Significant Delays in Scheduling “Contract of Stay” Appointments in Milan

The immigration office in Milan is now scheduling “contract of stay” appointments for within two months of an applicant’s arrival in Italy, when they are usually scheduled within eight to 20 days of arrival. The delays are the result of staff shortages. By way of background, upon arrival in Italy, non-European Union nationals are required to attend an appointment at the competent immigration office of the Prefecture in order to sign their contract of stay; only after this is completed can they legally work in Italy. As a result, affected individuals are being delayed in their work start dates.