British Father visiting Italy with non-EU children

[curlyk]

Hello,

We will be applying for family visit visa for my husband's non-EUR daughters. Understand that under the EU directive, this Visa will be free provided that we show that they are joining him in Italy on holiday.

The Question is whether he has to stay with them the whole holiday or not? I.e. If they joined us on holiday (staying with other family in Italy too), and then if we went back to the UK for a bit, and he returned before they left Italy - is this allowed? Or does he have to be there they whole time?

The language in the directive isnt specific enough for me to determine this.

(Background - Husband and I are both British, he has non-EU children and his Brothers / sisters are all living in Italy / Italian Citizens. We go there often on holiday and this summer want his children to join us. they have 3 months holiday and as teenagers more than capable of staying with their aunts. We can only stay there for a few weeks max / over weekends due to work commitments).

Any solutions / suggestions / advise most welcome. Thanks