It's a residence permit for people who can't be returned to their home country because of serious risks, but who don't qualify as refugees or for subsidiary protection. The permit lasts up to 2 years and is renewable based on the same risk assessment.
It's a safety-net status created by the 2020 reform, after humanitarian protection was abolished. It can be granted by the Commissione Territoriale or the Questura on the basis of specific protection grounds.
"After his asylum claim was rejected in Catanzaro, Solomon was granted protezione speciale based on the risk of inhumane treatment in his country. The permit allowed him to work and stay legally for two years."
Rules around special protection have changed several times. What's granted today may not match older guides written before the latest reform.
Official source
Ministero dell'Interno
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