Author
The Procedure Decree expressly requires the competent authorities to guarantee asylum applicants the possibility to contact UNHCR and NGOs during all phases of the asylum procedure.[1] For more detailed information on access to CPR, see the section on Access to Detention Facilities.
However, due to insufficient funds or that the fact most NGOs are located mainly in big cities, not all asylum applicants have access thereto. Under the latest tender specifications scheme (capitolato d’appalto) adopted on 20 November 2018, funding for legal support activities in hotspots, first reception centres, CAS and CPR has been replaced by “legal information service” of a maximum 3 hours for 50 people per week (see Forms and Levels of Material Reception Conditions).
As for the Hotspots, the SOPs ensure that access to international and non-governmental organisations is guaranteed subject to authorisation of the Ministry of Interior and on the basis of specific agreements, for the provision of specific services[2]. The SOPs also foresee that authorised humanitarian organisations will provide support to the Italian authorities in the timely identification of vulnerable persons who have special needs, and they will also carry out information activities according to their respective mandates. Currently in the hotspots, UNHCR monitors activities, performs the information service and, as provided in the SOPs, is responsible for receiving applications for asylum together with Frontex, EUAA and IOM. Save the Children is also present in hotspots.
However, since asylum applicants can be detained for identification purposes in the hotspots, access to the guarantees provided by Article 7 of the Reception Decree in relation to detention centres should also apply (see Access to detention facilities). According to Article 7, the access to NGOs with consolidated experience in protecting asylum applicants is allowed; it can be limited for security reasons, public order, or for reasons connected to the correct management of the centres but not completely impeded.[3]
In 2019, ASGI was initially denied access to the Lampedusa hotspot, but it won the appeal submitted before the Administrative Court of Sicily. The Court ruled that Article 7 of Legislative Decree 142/2015 covers access to facilities where asylum seekers may be detained (including hotspots under Article 10‑ter of the TUI) and that restricting access only to international organisations or entities with specific Ministry agreements would unlawfully undermine administrative transparency.[4]
On 12 June 2025, Asgi was denied access to the Albanian centers located in Shengjin and Gjader but filed an appeal before the Administrative Court of Lazio (Rome). The Court upheld the appeal stating that access to facilities where foreign nationals are detained may be deferred (but never denied), only when there are concrete and specifically substantiated risks to public order and security; such risks, however, “cannot persist indefinitely.” According to the regional administrative court, the justification provided by the Prefecture of Rome for denying access, based on the media attention surrounding the Albanian center, cannot serve as an obstacle to civil society’s democratic oversight of facilities where foreign nationals are held.[5]
Access of UNHCR and other organisations assisting refugees at border crossing points is provided. For security and public order grounds or, in any case, for any reasons connected to the administrative management, the access can be limited on condition that is not completely denied.[6]
[1] Article 10(3) Procedure Decree.
[2] SOPS, paragraph B.2.
[3] Article 7 (3) Reception Decree.
[4] Administrative Court of Sicily, decision n. 2473 of 24 August 2021.
[5] Administrative Court of Lazio, decision no. 4669/2026, published on 13 March 2026.
[6] Article 10-bis(2) Procedure Decree.