The deadline for completing and submitting the census questionnaires is 29th February 2012. The 15th General Census on Population and Housing in Italy has been on since October 2011.
All the people living in the country; Italian citizens, regular and irregular foreigners are strongly encouraged to participate in the Census.
It is important to note that it is a civic duty to fill in the questionnaire. Those who throw away the questionnaires or fill them in carelessly risk a heavy fine.
According to the Legislative Decree Number 322 of 1989, whoever fails to provide his/her personal data, or who knowingly provides wrong or incomplete data is subject to an administrative fine ranging from 206 to 2,065 Euros.
Apart from the fine, immigrants who fail to fill in the questionnaires risk being cancelled from the Registry of the City Council of residence. This means that they will no longer be considered residents in Italy, making them lose the right for instance, to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
Please note that the main objective of the Census which is being conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), is to gather information that will help better understand the population of the country and plan essential services.
The answers provided will help in making important decisions for the country’s present and future, says ISTAT.
Irregular immigrants don’t risk anything by taking part in the Census. ISTAT has assured that the information gathered will not be forwarded to the police, revenue authorities, of any other administrative authorities.
CLICK HERE to read the Guide in English on how to fill in Census questionnaires.
