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The main form of accommodation provided is access to reception centres, which are the Initial Reception Centre in Marsa, Ħal Far Tent Village, Ħal Far Open Centre, Ħal Far Hangar. Two centres are especially dedicated to host minors, families and women, and provide for smaller types of accommodation, namely Dar il-Liedna and Balzan Open Centre (run by an NGO). However, beneficiaries of international protection are generally not allowed to stay in reception centres in. Exceptions can be made for vulnerable persons and families but on a case-by-case basis. AWAS reported that in 2023, a total of 13 beneficiaries were accommodated in open reception centre, and 11 THP beneficiaries.
Refugees are entitled to apply to the Maltese Housing Authority for social housing, provided they have been residing in Malta for 12 months and have limited income and assets.[1] Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection may also apply for a housing benefit if they are renting from private owners.[2]
A report published by JRS Malta and aditus foundation in December 2021 flags obstacles faced by migrants in accessing decent housing. Interviewees, who included applicants, protection beneficiaries as well as other migrants, commented on exorbitant rent prices and their impact on persons living on a minimum wage, social benefits or less. They flagged discrimination in being denied private rentals due to their immigration status as well as exploitation at being forced to live in substandard conditions, having no alternatives and largely unable to rely on a private rental regime with little monitoring or regulation.[3] Although there is no updated research for 2023, the situation remains generally similar.
According to AWAS, during 2023 the total numbers of beneficiaries staying at reception centres was the following:
- Refugee status: 4
- Subsidiary Protection: 9
- Temporary Humanitarian Protection: 11
JRS reported that in February and March 2023, all vulnerable people were transferred out of MIRC and into HOC or HTV. The organisation expressed concern that, whilst accommodation in the Marsa Initial Reception Centre did not necessarily cater for the specific needs of vulnerable persons, HTV and HOC are not appropriate accommodation settings for vulnerable individuals.[4]
[1] Housing Authority, available at https://bit.ly/3F0ntvo
[2] Housing Authority, available at https://bit.ly/41OW1uo
[3] JRS and aditus foundation, In Pursuit of Livelihood: An in-depth investigation of asylum-seekers’ battle against poverty and social exclusion in Malta, December 2021, available at https://bit.ly/3kKu7z4
[4] Information provided by JRS Malta in June 2024.