According to a representative of the Immigration Centre in Rome, an official at the embassy of Italy in Ottawa, and a historian and specialist on Italian migration issues in Milan, mass expulsions of Italians from Libya occurred in the late 1960s or very early 1970s (17 Mar. 1994; 7 Mar. 1994; 18 Mar. 1994). The official in Ottawa stated that practically all Italians were expelled (7 Mar. 1994), and according to the source in Rome, the Italian parliament subsequently passed legislation to accommodate and assist resettlement efforts (17 Mar. 1994).

The source in Ottawa stated that she believed that only individuals who were Italian citizens at the time were accepted (7 Mar. 1994). However, according to the source in Rome, persons of Italian origin or with Italian surnames were also accepted (17 Mar. 1994). The source in Milan gave information to the same effect (18 Mar. 1994). The source in Rome added that a person could claim to be of Italian origin if one of their parents or grandparents were born in Italy and were Italian citizens (17 Mar. 1994).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of Italy, Ottawa. 7 March 1994. Telephone interview with official.

The Immigration Centre, Rome, Italy. 17 March 1994. Telephone interview with official.

Historian and specialist on Italian migration issues, Milan. 18 March 1994. Telephone interview.