Central level
The Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security is responsible for:
- Restricting, controlling and regulating immigration;
- Passport issuance;
- Civil registration;
- Refugees;
- Immigration appeals;
- Residence permits;
- Visas;
- Removal (order).
The Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS) is responsible for:
- Advising the Ministry on potential changes in relevant policy areas and respective legislation;
- Implementation of national legislation and policy concerning the welfare of refugees, and asylum seekers;
- Managing reception facilities (including subcontracting with third parties);
- Providing information programmes in the area of employment, housing, health, welfare, and education;
- Maintaining relevant data and statistics related to refugees and asylum seekers;
- Promoting Government schemes related to resettlement voluntary returns.
The Office of the Refugee Commissioner is responsible for:
- Receiving applications for international protection;
- Ensuring a fair process of applications review;
Determining both the Refugee Status as well as Subsidiary Protection Status.
Responsible ministries/bodies
The Ministry
for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement
Agency
for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS)
The Office of the Refugee Commissioner
Sources
Constitution of Malta, 21 September 1964
Immigration Act, 21 September 1970
Local Government Act, 23 July 1993
Refugees Act, 1 October 2001
Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers Regulations, 17 July 2009
Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement
Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS)
