Malta not to issue new temporary protection certificates for failed asylum seekers

Malta's Refugee Commissioner will no longer issue any new Temporary Humanitarian Protection (THP) certificates for failed asylum seekers, according to a press release issued by Malta's government Saturday.

The news was presented by Malta's Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela in a meeting with representatives of local non-governmental organisations working with asylum seekers.

The granting of THPs, which started in 2010, did not originate from any international or national law but was being granted on the basis of an internal administrative policy.

A review of the operations process at the Refugee Commissioner's office has led to a number of changes to be implemented, mainly that after Oct. 31, 2017, the Office of the Refugee Commissioner will no longer renew THPs. No new THPs will be issued.

Also, those having their THPs renewed until Oct. 31, 2017, will have to make arrangements to procure all the required documentation from their country of origin that would allow them to apply with Identity Malta for the issuing of a residence permit to cover their stay in Malta after Oct. 31, 2017.

The applicants in question would also have to comply with other relevant Identity Malta criteria, including the presentation of a valid employment licence. Cases requiring protection for other circumstances will be considered on a case by base basis.

Minister Abela specified that decisions had to be taken in the area of irregular immigration in line with Maltese and European legislations. Endit