Malta continues to be a key destination for refugees and asylum seekers due to its geographical location in the central Mediterranean. In 2024, the island faced challenges in balancing its limited resources with the influx of migrants arriving by sea. This article provides an overview of the nationalities of refugees in Malta, the number of arrivals in 2024, and the processes they undergo to obtain residence and protection. It also highlights Malta’s support system and the services available for refugees.
Refugees in Malta – Arrivals and Nationalities
In 2024, Malta recorded approximately 1,200 new arrivals by sea, according to reports from local authorities and NGOs. This marked an increase compared to previous years. The top nationalities of asylum seekers included individuals from Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia, reflecting ongoing conflict and instability in these regions. Additionally, Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing war in their country were granted Temporary Protection status under EU directives.
The asylum statistics show a concerning backlog: Malta processed only 27.9% of applications with some form of protection granted at the first instance. Refugee status was granted to 1.9% of applicants, while the majority received subsidiary protection (25.3%) or humanitarian protection.
Applying for Residence as a Refugee
Refugees in Malta must follow specific procedures to apply for international protection and residence:
- Arrival and Registration: Upon arrival, asylum seekers are typically registered at the Initial Reception Centre or detention facilities. They undergo security checks and health assessments.
- Submission of Asylum Applications: Applicants submit claims to the International Protection Agency (IPA). The process involves filling out a form detailing the reasons for fleeing their home country.
- Asylum Interviews and Decisions: Personal interviews are conducted, although in 2023, nearly 50% of decisions were made without interviews, a practice that raises concerns about fairness.
- Appeals: If the application is rejected, individuals can appeal to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, but decisions often take over a year.
- Integration or Temporary Protection: Approved applicants receive either refugee status, subsidiary protection, or humanitarian status. They can then apply for residence permits and access integration programs.
Challenges for Refugees in Malta
The asylum process in Malta faces significant hurdles:
- Detention Policies: Many asylum seekers are held in detention facilities under harsh conditions, which have been criticized as “inhumane.” Vulnerable groups, including children, are sometimes detained for extended periods.
- Integration Difficulties: Malta launched a national consultation for its second National Integration Policy in 2023, but refugees face challenges such as limited housing options, language barriers, and restricted access to employment opportunities.
- Long Processing Times: Delays in asylum decisions and appeals leave refugees in prolonged uncertainty.
Services and Employment Opportunities
Once granted protection, refugees in Malta can access basic services such as healthcare and education. They are also eligible to work in specific industries. Refugees often find employment in sectors such as construction, hospitality, cleaning services, and caregiving, which face labor shortages. NGOs like the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) et le Red Cross provide support for integration through training and job placements.
Do They Need an Employment License to Work in Malta?
Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary or humanitarian protection in Malta are allowed to work without the need for an employment license. Once granted protection, they are treated on par with Maltese and EU nationals in terms of access to the labor market. However, they must obtain a residence permit, which serves as official documentation for their legal status.
For asylum seekers whose applications are still pending, the situation is different. Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment agency, issues Temporary Employment Licenses for asylum seekers, which allow them to work under specific conditions. These licenses come with strict criteria, including a nominal fee of EUR 58, and are often issued for employment in sectors facing labor shortages. This system has been criticized for creating additional bureaucratic hurdles and limiting asylum seekers’ access to the job market. Employers must verify the individual’s legal status and the validity of their work permit before offering employment to ensure compliance with Maltese labor laws.
Refugee Children and Education Opportunities
One of the critical aspects of integration for refugee families in Malta is access to education for children. Refugee minors are entitled to free compulsory education, similar to Maltese nationals. Schools provide essential support services, including language learning programs to help children overcome language barriers. However, despite these efforts, refugee children often face challenges such as social exclusion, limited academic support, and difficulty adjusting to the local education system.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups are instrumental in addressing these shortcomings by providing additional educational programmes, extracurricular activities, and mentorship schemes. These initiatives are essential for cultivating a sense of belonging and empowering refugee children to achieve academic success, hence establishing the basis for more promising futures.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20th, honors the strength and resilience of refugees around the globe, including those in Malta. It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges they face and recognize their contributions to society. Various events, campaigns, and community activities are organized by NGOs and local entities to promote solidarity and highlight the importance of refugee rights and integration.
Conclusion
Malta’s asylum system continues to grapple with significant challenges, stemming from high demand, constrained resources, and criticism regarding its processes. Nevertheless, the country provides opportunities for refugees to integrate and contribute to the workforce, especially in industries experiencing labour shortages. Community integration initiatives, often led by NGOs and local organizations, help foster social connections and promote a sense of belonging, supporting refugees in building stable and productive lives.
For individuals and organizations seeking assistance with residence or work permits, Expatax.mt offers consultancy services to navigate Malta’s complex bureaucracy.
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