A residual form of protection available to those not eligible for refugee status, who do not have a right to subsidiary protection but cannot be removed from national territory because of objective and serious personal situations. The residence permit for humanitarian reasons is issued by the Questore following a recommendation by the Territorial Commission in case of refusal, when “serious reasons of a humanitarian nature” exist (such as age or health, or in the case of victims of grave political instability, episodes of violence, insufficient respect for human rights, famine or natural or environmental disasters), or at the direct request of the foreign citizen. The permit is valid for two years and can be converted into a residence permit for work.