Malta

Number of people served: 3,226

Situated by the Mediterranean Sea, the island country of Malta has long been a safe haven for refugees. Although Malta is geographically and economically small, its location between Europe and North Africa make it a logical first step for refugees seeking a new life in Europe. Malta ranked 10th out of the countries with the most refugees per capital, with 14 refugees per 1,000 inhabitants. According to UNHCR, there were nearly 10,000 people living in Malta who were considered the “population of concern” when it came to displacement and status.

Our Work in Malta

JRS Malta seeks to accompany, serve and defend the rights of asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons who arrive in Malta. The team engages with people at different stages of their journey, often meeting people shortly after their arrival, and accompanying them as they navigate life in Malta.

JRS regularly visits detention and open centers to provide basic information, mainly about the rights of asylum seekers, documentation, education, and employment. Furthermore, the team provides professional legal, social work, psychological and health care support to refugees in centers and the community. JRS Malta also advocates on behalf of refugees on a national level and runs awareness-raising programs in schools, Parishes, and various social groups.

Psychosocial Support Displaced people often experience trauma due to their displacement. These services aim to meet the variety of complex spiritual and psychosocial needs.