In May 2021, the Maltese Ministry of Home Affairs introduced a new policy denying asylum seekers from “safe countries” (including those awaiting their asylum decisions, appealing decisions or who have had their request for asylum rejected) the right to work for nine months after arrival in Malta. On the 5 June 2021, 28 human rights organisations endorsed a statement issued by the Malta Refugee Council, expressing their concern about this new policy. The statement described the new policy as “discriminatory and inhumane”, claiming that it is aimed at denying people the possibility to work and earn a living.

NGOs outlined that asylum-seekers from countries deemed safe are now likely to experience forced redundancy in Malta for up to nine months before being allowed to work, and that this would deprive many people, including families, of the minimum income for a decent life. It could potentially also exacerbate issues of extreme labour exploitation, and criminal or other irregular activity. People who are not in contact with support structures in the country risk being further marginalised, especially those who suffer from mental health problems, substance abuse issues, and chronic illness.

In the statement the Malta Refugee Council, endorsed by several NGOs, demands that the government immediately revoke the policy due to the potential impact on people that already experience vulnerability and unstable sources of income. At the same time, the council reiterates within the statement the importance of a more human approach to migration management.

Find out more and read the statement here.