EU-sponsored pro-refugee programmes launched

Four EU-financed pro-refugee programmes were launched yesterday as part of a €4.8 million package granted to Malta under the European Refugee Fund.

The four programmes, to be implemented by the end of next year, are aimed at facilitating the hosting and accommodation of asylum seekers and to speed up the process of deciding upon asylum requests.

The Home Affairs Ministry said a total of €884,000 would be dedicated to the projects. The amount is being derived from the €4.8 million granted by the EU to Malta for projects under this fund for 2007-2013.

According to the ministry, the Armed Forces of Malta will be tapping EU funds to finance the provision of essential services to asylum seekers. These include the provision of supplies to sustain hygienic standards, bedding items and the repair and upkeep of materials.

Another project will be implemented at the Marsa open centre administered by the NGO Suret il-Bniedem Foundation. EU funds will be used to maintain and improve services provided to residents in the field of education and health. The project includes training in the English language, basic computer skills and cultural integration for refugees.

SOS Malta, another NGO, will be implementing a project called Opportunities for the Integration of Migrant Women through Empowerment and Social Enterprise. This project is aimed at creating opportunities, which would help the integration of women with refugee and humanitarian status into society.

Funds will also be dedicated to upgrade the Office of the Refugee Commissioner, which decides the applications of would-be asylum seekers. Asylum seekers will now have more information about their rights through audio-visual and printed material.

The structure used to interview such immigrants will also be renovated and the equipment used by officials will be modernised.

In total, the EU granted Malta €112 million for the present seven-year financial period to be used under various funds related to immigration and asylum.