Rejected asylum seekers will no longer require a certificate from the Refugee Commissioner every year to remain in Malta, after the Temporary Humanitarian Policy New (THPn) was replaced.

The system was a form of regularisation granted to those who could not be returned to their home country and who fulfilled certain criteria, such as employment, independent housing and fiscal contributions.

It dealt with "stranded migrants", or rejected asylum seekers who had been in Malta for at least four years and who could not be returned to their country of origin because of reasons outside of their control.

As of Thursday, eligible applicants are able to apply for a two-year renewable residence permit as part of a new Specific Residence Authorisation policy.

"All applications for a residence permit will continue to be vetted by the Police Immigration office," the government said.

These migrants will be given the opportunity to apply for a residence permit, subject to the fulfillment of a number of integration measures, the Home Affairs Ministry said.

The Temporary Humanitarian policy had been at the centre of controversy when the Home Affairs Ministry abruptly announced two years ago that the system would be terminated.

The 1,300 migrants who enjoyed THPn status were informed they would lose all benefits and become deportable unless they provided the necessary documentation.

The government eventually backtracked its decision after a large and active coalition demanded that the move be revoked.

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In a statement, the government said the new policy did not mean that all those whose asylum claim was rejected were, or would be, entitled to a regular status.

“The government’s position remains that those persons who are not in need of international protection should return to their country of origin,” it said.

The newly-unveiled policy was intended to reduce social exclusion among migrant communities and recognise the efforts of those actively contributing to society, the Home Affairs Ministry said.

While acknowledging the policy would not be able to address all the issues and concerns raised by NGOs and migrants, it added this was a “good first step towards mending a system which has been broken for far too long”.