Unregularised 'rejected' migrants living in 'big prison' called Malta

NGOs have called for a clear pathway to regularise rejected asylum seekers still living in Malta today, saying that the law does not provide certainty for asylum seekers. Rejected asylum seekers were granted Temporary Humanitarian Protection (THPN) in 2012, but the government threatened to strip people of this status last year when a review process of the system was announced, JRS director Katrine Camilleri said. The threat was subsequently shelved, amid appeals from the President and the media, among others. The review process highlights the instability of the system, and the uncertainty experienced by people under THPN status, she said. JRS, Aditus and Intregra are therefore calling for a legal pathway to regularise all asylum seekers who have been living in Malta for over five years and who are unable to return to their country. Authorities know about people living in their unstable situation and have afforded them a “tolerated stay,” Dr Camilleri said. “It is difficult for us to relate to the fear of these people,” she continued. THPN makes it difficult for people to access basic services, such access to bank accounts and travelling rights. Researcher Kristina Zammit...