A new NGO set up by Africans living in Malta is looking for a “quiet place” to hold weekly meetings.

Called Migrants Association in Malta and headed by Bushra Fuad, from Sudan, the NGO is voicing its concern about the rights of migrants who are not granted refugee or subsidiary protection.

In a statement, the African Media Association Malta said that, at a recent Sunday meeting, members expressed gratitude that Malta had given them “a second chance”.

Thanking the government for providing them with protection and accommodation, they said that after many years here they wanted to voice their concern and seek solutions. They stressed that many were already integrated into Maltese society but felt that their rights were inferior to those of migrants in other countries.

Migrants from Sudan, Ghana, Gambia, Togo, Nigeria and Niger said they had work permits, paid tax and national insurance but did not receive any benefits when unemployed.

“I have been here for 10 years but I have nothing. People think we’re happy but we have many problems. We want the people of Malta and Europe to know what the situation is. If nothing changes, we will still have nothing after another 10 years,” a migrant said.

“We don’t want to cause any problems, we just want to speak with the government and improve things together. We are part of Malta. We are integrated. There is much suffering; some have taken their own lives and others are in hospital,” another said.

The worst affected, one noted, were those from West Africa, who only had humanitarian protection and were asylum rejects. They called for the right to citizenship after five years living in Malta.

“We want to contribute to the economic growth of Malta and we are ready to contribute to the development of Malta in all forms,” a spokesman said. The association is looking for “a quiet space” to hold its weekly meetings, which are currently held in a noisy bar.

Migrants who want to join the association and anyone who can offer help and support can contact the group at maltamigrants2015@gmail.com or on 7760 6944.