Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

In an interview with the Research Directorate, a consular officer at the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa said that the abbreviation "CARTA SOGG. T. INDET" found next to the section "Scadenza /Valid Until" on an Italian Foreigner's Permit of Stay form (Permesso Di Soggiorno Per Stranieri ), means "long lasting permanent card" (Italy 15 May 2013). He explained:

This means that the person has a permanent residence permit without termination. The person would be allowed to stay in Italy as long as he or she wants, with the exception of someone who commits a crime, in which case the person could be removed. (ibid.)

The consular officer also indicated that a person with this residency status "would be allowed to return any time to stay in Italy because there is no expiration" (ibid.). Corroboration of this information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Italy. 15 May 2013. Embassy of Italy in Ottawa. Interview with a consular officer.

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: ecoi.net; Factiva; Italy – Ministry of Interior; United Nations – Refworld.