Malta reports fewer asylum applications and lower boat arrivals in 2024

On the eve of World Refugee Day, which is marked on June 20, the National Statists Office said there was a drop in asylum applications, boat arrivals and pending cases last year.

Aside from temporary protection cases, the International Protection Agency received 701 initial and repeat asylum applications, marking a 17.9 per cent drop compared to the previous year.

Last year there were six boat landings in Malta with 238 individuals arriving on its shores including those airlifted at sea. This represented a drop of 37.4 per cent compared to 2023.

The majority of arrivals were citizens of Asian countries (80.7 per cent) while 19.3 per cent originated from African countries.

December saw the highest number of persons brought to shore, with 83 individuals reaching Malta.

Of the asylum applicants, 229 were granted protection while 298 were rejected. By year end there were 1,497 applications pending, a drop of 24.4 per cent from the previous year.

By the end of last year, 2,221 people in Malta were beneficiaries of temporary protection, almost all Ukrainians.

As many as 193 individuals were housed in open centres. The majority (90.7 per cent) resided in Ħal Far and most were Sudanese and Somalis.

During 2024, 60 people were relocated to other EU countries, 54 were resettled outside the EU and 35 returned to their country of origin via assisted voluntary return programmes.

Council of Europe and UNHCR call for solidarity and action

On World Refugee Day, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reaffirmed that solidarity stands as a vital expression of shared European values, as conflicts and persecution continue to force millions from their homes.

“Protecting those who have no choice but to flee violence and persecution is both a moral duty and a legal obligation,” Berset said.

“This obligation is embedded in international and European law. Our steadfast commitment to these principles is what unites the Council of Europe and will continue to shape Europe’s democratic future."

Nearly 12 million refugees have found protection in the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.

High Commissioner Grandi added: "In a world where conflicts multiply, it remains paramount that States uphold their responsibility to protect people forced to flee, while fostering an environment in which they can thrive and contribute until conditions allow for their safe and dignified return home.

The Council of Europe and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, work closely to help countries across Europe strengthen refugee protection, with a focus on vulnerable groups including children, older people, and people living with disabilities.

As part of its pledges under the Global Compact on Refugees, the Council of Europe supports its member states’ efforts to align their laws and policies with international standards on the civil and social rights of refugees and stateless persons. Its Development Bank provides financing for emergency assistance and long-term integration.

UNHCR’s work across the region complements this effort to strengthen refugee protection, support safe and voluntary returns, prevent statelessness, and bolster action against exploitation and abuse.