Population figures
Total country population
536,740
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
8,732
Asylum-seekers:
645
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
0
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
0
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
0
Country context
Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean, continues to host a significant number of individuals seeking asylum and protection. Due to its geographic location, Malta serves as a key entry point for people fleeing conflicts and instability, particularly from countries such as Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria. In recent years, the country has seen fluctuations in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving, with a decreasing trend observed in 2023. A portion of these arrivals is rescued at sea by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) or merchant vessels.
The asylum procedure in Malta is primarily managed by the International Protection Agency (IPA), with support from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). However, there are ongoing challenges, including long processing times for asylum applications, with some cases taking up to three years to resolve. In 2023, the recognition rate for asylum seekers increased slightly, but the country continues to face a backlog in both first and second instance asylum procedures.
...Asylum seekers arriving by sea are typically detained upon arrival, primarily on health grounds, and are subject to closed detention facilities. There have been ongoing efforts to improve the conditions in these facilities, and efforts to introduce alternatives to detention are under discussion. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning overcrowding, limited access to legal aid, and inadequate facilities.
Malta is also a signatory to international conventions related to statelessness and has taken steps to address the issue, although a statelessness determination procedure has yet to be established. In 2019, Malta signed the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.
In terms of integration, Malta has made strides in providing refugees with access to public healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. However, asylum seekers face challenges such as high rental costs and limited access to social services. The government is working on a second National Integration Strategy, which aims to address these issues, with a focus on social cohesion and empowering refugee communities.
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