Calls for a change in the system regulating migrant workers echoed through the streets of Valletta this morning as a group of over 100 workers held a peaceful protest.

Walking from the Phoenicia Hotel to Castille, the group said some had been working in Malta for a number of years and while they had been paying taxes, they were still not eligible for a number of benefits.

They also called for more integration and protection of their basic human rights. 

Addressing the crowd in front of Castile, African Media Association Malta spokesman Ahmed Somali said the community was grateful for Malta and for giving them “sanctuary after [their] long and dangerous journeys”, yet insisted they faced regular problems here too.

“In over 12 years, we believe that less than five per cent of African asylum seekers were granted refugee status, which gives citizenship rights.”

As a result, he said, many were unable to access the same benefits as other working citizens even though they contributed to taxes and social security.

“In particular, they are not accumulating any pension rights, which is creating a problem for the future,” he said.