An expert on Middle Eastern and African affairs with experience as an asylum determination officer has been appointed Malta's new assistant refugee commissioner.

Malcolm Cutajar, who also served as a refugee commission case officer and is a national expert for an asylum-related dossier that forms part of Malta's EU Council presidency, will work alongside refugee commissioner Martine Cassar. 

His appointment was made by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in consultation with Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, the government said in a statement announcing Mr Cutajar's appointment. 

Mr Cutajar holds a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Malta. 

The Refugee Commission is responsible for deciding which asylum seekers merit international protection in Malta, as stipulated by the Refugee Act. 

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