Unaccompanied Foreign Minor
Plain English
It's a non-EU minor present in Italy without parents or another legal guardian. They get special protection: they can\'t be expelled, must be placed in a dedicated reception system, and are assigned a guardian.
Why it matters
MSNA status grants schooling, health access, and a path to a regular permit at 18, provided documents and integration steps are in order.
Real example
"Arrived alone at 16, Mohamed was placed in a dedicated MSNA centre near Crotone. A guardian was appointed, he started school, and his case worker helped him prepare for the conversion to an adult permit at 18."
Common confusion
The transition to adulthood is delicate. A specific procedure (prosieguo amministrativo) can extend protection past 18 if the integration path is on track.
Official source
Ministero dell'Interno