Eight immigrants from Sudan and Somalia have left Malta to start a new life in Slovenia, which is taking in asylum seekers from the island for the first time.

The six men and two women will be provided with housing, language courses and other services in the first steps towards integration and self-sufficiency.

This move forms part of the European Re-allocation for Malta (Eurema) pilot project, which stems from the EU’s Pact for Immigration and Asylum. The departure follows a referral process conducted by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organisation for Migration, the governmental Agency for Welfare of Asylum Seekers, the Malta Emigrants’ Commission and a selection mission by the Slovenian authorities.

The pilot project, coordinated by the Home Affairs Ministry, is intended to benefit around 255 persons with international protection and includes the participation of nine other member states: France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and the UK.

Many immigrants have already moved to other countries and the project is set to be concluded next year. It includes a number of cultural orientation sessions as well as an integration package in the hosting country.

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