Student visa: war does not stop rights

The Lazio Regional Administrative Court (judgement 10102/2026) has ruled that not even the international crisis that led to the closure of the Italian Embassy in Tehran can justify the refusal to grant a study permit. This decision stems from a case intertwined with the administrative and diplomatic consequences of the hostilities that have engulfed Iran in recent months.

The central figure in this case is an Iranian student who had secured, through the Regional Administrative Court (TAR), the annulment of the refusal of a student visa issued by the Italian Embassy in Tehran. Despite the favourable ruling, however, the proceedings had not been concluded and the young man was forced to return to court to ensure the decision was actually enforced.

In its defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the exceptional circumstances brought about by the geopolitical crisis in the region. The closure of the Italian diplomatic mission in Tehran – a consequence of the deteriorating security situation and military operations in the region – has in fact led to the transfer of consular functions to the mission in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is precisely this development that makes the ruling particularly interesting.

The Regional Administrative Court acknowledges the existence of an extraordinary situation, but emphasises that the hostilities occurred after the publication of the previous decision in favour of the student. In other words, the administration had already had sufficient time to implement the ruling before the international emergency necessitated the closure of the diplomatic mission. The judges also point out that the Ministry had not appealed against the decision, thereby allowing it to become final. For this reason, the difficulties that have arisen cannot be treated as a form of automatic suspension of the obligations arising from a court ruling.

The judgement offers an insight into the practical implications that international conflicts can have even on procedures far removed from the theatres of war, such as the issuing of a student visa.