13 migrants left for the United States early this morning after having benefited from international protection.

The 13, from Somalia and Eritrea, include two couples one of which has a child.

This latest departure brings the total of beneficiaries of international protection who were resettled to the United States from Malta to 824. Today's was the first departure to the United States for this year. Several others are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

In all 1,411 refugees and beneficiaries of international protection have been reallocated from Malta to various other countries since 2005.

The persons who departed this morning were selected following a process involving the UNHCR (Malta office) as well as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at various stages. US Government officials also conduct interviews in Malta.

The migrants were seen off by Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici. 

 "This is a prime example of charity in action. I thank those who for the past five years have strived to keep this resettlement programme going, particularly the U.S. Government, IOM, UNHCR and Ministry officials involved in this process," Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.

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