The emigration procedure involved application for, and subsequent grant of, a passport. For a long time, starting in the early twentieth century, the passport of emigrants had a red cover. One had to apply for it at the local council office, which forwarded the application to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, attaching an authorization for expatriation. In the case of a man with a family, his wife, children, parents and grandparents could also be included on the passport. For those registered for national service, an additional authorization from the military authorities was also required. Of course, a concession fee also had to be paid, though this was waived for those who went abroad to work.
Passport belonging to Maria Colarusso, 1896
Red passport to go abroad
Passport, 1920s.