Key facts
- Imagbe Ehizomwengie, a Nigerian man, won €500,000 on an Italian lottery scratchcard.
A Nigerian man who won €500,000 in an Italian lottery but was unable to claim it due to his undocumented status has been granted a residency permit. Imagbe Ehizomwengie's case highlights the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Italy.
This case highlights the complex immigration system in Italy and the challenges faced by undocumented individuals in accessing financial resources and legal status, even when demonstrating financial independence and integration.
Imagbe Ehizomwengie, a 36-year-old Nigerian man, has been granted an Italian residency permit after winning €500,000 in a lottery but being unable to claim the prize due to his undocumented status. Ehizomwengie arrived in Italy in 2016, enduring a difficult journey that included two years of captivity in Libya. His initial request for a "special protection" permit was denied, a category of permit that was later restricted by the current government. To survive, he worked as a street seller and begged. He purchased the winning scratchcard with money earned from selling handkerchiefs and begging. Although he won the jackpot, his lack of a residency permit prevented him from opening a bank account to receive the funds. A portion of the post-tax winnings was eventually transferred to his cousin's account, enabling him to purchase a shop selling African produce. His lawyer, Andrea Palazzeschi, successfully argued in court for the permit, citing Ehizomwengie's proficiency in Italian, his employment at the shop, and his newfound financial independence. Palazzeschi emphasized that the permit was granted based on Ehizomwengie's suitability as a candidate, not solely on winning the money. Ehizomwengie expressed immense relief, stating the permit means more to him than the lottery winnings, and he wishes to work and contribute to society.
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