Italy and citizenship

John Cherian, Frontline,'s World Affairs Correspondent, submitted the following five questions to the Italian Embassy in New Delhi. He promptly received the following answers in writing from Francesco Paolo Venier, First Secretary in the Italian Embassy:

Does Italy allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the Italian law contemplates holding double or multiple citizenship. The only exceptions are those provided by the Strasbourg Convention of May 6, 1963 on the reduction of double and multiple citizenship, which deals mostly with European countries.

Under the Italian Constitution, are foreigners eligible for citizenship?

There is no mention to the rules for foreigners requesting/acquiring Italian citizenship in the Constitution of Italy. Provisions to this effect are regulated by law.

If foreigners are granted citizenship, do they have the same civic and political rights as other Italians?

Yes. Under Italian law, any person who has acquired Italian citizenship has the same rights as an Italian citizen by birth.

Are there any restrictions on Indians becoming naturalised citizens of Italy?

Not at all.

When did Sonia Gandhi give up her Italian citizenship?

Under Italian law, the circulation of information concerning the private lives of subjects possessed by the Public Administration is forbidden.