From: bjohensson@yahoo.fr

Dear Sirs

Here is A Story about how Italian Bureaucracy is breaking up Families.

My name is Bjorn Johensson and I am a Canadian Citizen. I met my wife on a business trip to Europe and we fell in love and decided to get married in Portsmouth, England, a beautiful English seaside resort. My wife, Ann, has lived all her life in Novara, Italy.

I work as a computer consultant and software developer for a Swiss Bank at present.

We got married on 4 June, 1999, and on a trip to London. After on a business trip to London, I telephoned the Italian Consulate in London for information on a residence permit in Italy (Permesso di Soggiorno). They told me to go to the Municipal offices where my wife is a resident (Novara, Italy).

On 10 June the nightmare began! I have been to the Municipal offices of Novara, and the Questura many, many, many times during the last four months! Every time I get different problems, people who do not know how to do their jobs, etc. I have only been able to get a temporary permit from the Questura.

Each time I, or my wife, or my mother-in-law goes to the Municipal offices, the staff either do not know what to do, or do not want to do anything and tell me to come back another time!

In order for me to get the Permesso de Soggiorno, our marriage has to be registred here at the Municipal offices of Novara. The Italian consulate now said I need to return to London, with my wife, and stay in a hotel for 20 to 30 days while they verify that the Original Marriage Certificate is valid.

Another day the Italian Consulate in London told staff at the Municial offices that I need to bring the Registrar from Portsmouth, England to Italy to verify the marriage! I am sure the Registrar from Portsmouth would like a free trip to Italy!

After almost five months and no Permesso de Soggiorno, I must leave Italy at the end of October without my wife because I will not be legal remaining in Italy. My wife must stay here to take care of her sick mother who is 69 years old.

It is very sad that the Italian Bureaucracy forces my wife to choose between her husband and her mother!

It is also suprising that the Italian Bureaucracy does not recognise British legal documents!

If anyone can give me advice or help me, I would be very appreciative.

The Italian Bureaucracy should not be breaking up families!!

Bjorn Johensson

E-Mail: bjohensson@yahoo.fr

anniegil@hotmail.com