Nigerian man unable to claim Italian lottery win gains residency permit
Summary
A Nigerian man in Italy who won €500,000 in a lottery could not claim his prize because he had no legal residency. After many years of waiting and legal struggles, he was granted a residency permit, allowing him to work and access his winnings.Key Facts
- Imagbe Ehizomwengie, 36, is a Nigerian man who arrived in Italy in 2016 after a difficult journey.
- He won €500,000 on an official Italian scratchcard lottery called Gratta e Vinci.
- He could not claim the prize because he lacked a residency permit and could not open a bank account.
- His initial request for special protection residency was denied under Italy’s current government.
- Half of his lottery winnings were transferred to his cousin’s account and used to buy an African food shop.
- A court in Ancona recently ordered that he be given a residency permit based on his work, language skills, and financial independence.
- He plans to celebrate the permit and continue working to live a normal life.
- The lottery and residency issues highlight challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Italy.
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