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The main form of accommodation provided is access to reception centres, which are Ħal Far Tent Village, Ħal Far Open Centre, and 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 2024, a total of 26 beneficiaries were accommodated in open reception centre, and 6 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] At the end of 2024, four refugees were benefitting from social housing. Furthermore, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection may also apply for a Housing Benefit Scheme (HBS) if they are renting from private owners.[2] The HBS provides rental support in the form of a cash grant. According to the Housing Authority, at the end of 2024, 108 refugees and 234 subsidiary protection holders were benefitting from the scheme.[3]
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.[4] Although there is no updated research for 2023, the situation remains generally similar.
According to AWAS, at the end of 2024 the total numbers of beneficiaries staying at reception centres was the following:
- Refugee status: 5
- Subsidiary Protection: 139
- Temporary Humanitarian Protection: 16
[1] Housing Authority, available at https://bit.ly/3F0ntvo
[2] Housing Authority, available at https://bit.ly/41OW1uo
[3] Information provided by the Housing Authority in March 2025.
[4] 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