Malta will have to examine asylum applications and provide protection to those who qualify within six months, according to proposals tabled in Brussels by the European Commission.
At the moment there is no time limit on the examination of hundreds of applications filed in Malta every year, so the proposal will place another burden on Maltese authorities.
However, anticipating opposition from over-burdened member states, Brussels is proposing member states be given three more years to adapt to the new rules after the adoption of this directive.
The proposal, which has to be approved by the European Parliament and member states, will guarantee further rights to asylum seekers while EU laws regarding their rights will be harmonised and enhanced. Asylum seekers will also have the right to resort to the courts for a review of the decision on their application for protection.
EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said that, through these proposals, the Commission was putting in place the final building blocks of the Common European Asylum System.
"Significant progress has been accomplished in recent years as a result of the implementation of common standards but considerable disparities remain between member states," he told a press conference. "Our proposals represent a major step forward towards achieving higher standards of protection, a more level playing field as well as higher efficiency and coherence for the system."
With regards to the Asylum Protection Directive, the Commission is proposing a single procedure among member states to ensure asylum procedures are simplified. One of the most important measures is the introduction of a general time limit of six months.
The proposal simplifies and clarifies procedural notions and devices such as the concept of "safe country of origin" and the obligation of asylum seekers to cooperate with national authorities.
The Commission says the amendments would be instrumental in ensuring quicker access for those genuinely in need of protection.
Member states would have to provide all relevant information and advice to those who wish to lodge an application for international protection.
Border guards, police and other authorities who first come into contact with those seeking protection - particularly Armed Forces of Malta personnel in the island's case - would need to have a clearer view of how to deal with them.