During 2015, 1,844 applications were received by the Office of the Refugee Commissioner, an increase of 36.4 per cent over the preceding year, the National Statistics Office said today.

During 2015, 106 irregular immigrants reached the Maltese shores, a decrease of 81.4 per cent over the preceding year. Of these persons, 99.1 per cent were of African origin. Almost half of the African persons arriving by boat were Malian and Senegalese nationals (25.7 and 22.9 per cent respectively).

The Office of the Refugee Commissioner filed 1,844 applications for international protection in 2015. Nearly half (46.6 per cent) of these applicants were males aged between 18 and 34. The majority, 68.1 per cent, were Africans, of whom 71.7 per cent were Libyans. Another 26.2 per cent originated from Asia, predominantly from Syria (86.1 per cent).

During 2015, the Office of the Refugee Commissioner processed 1,491 applications: 83.8 per cent were granted a positive decision, while the remaining applications were rejected. Nearly three-quarters (72.2 per cent) of the applicants who were granted asylum were of African origin while a further 23.4 per cent were Asians.

A decrease of 20.9 per cent was registered in the number of persons residing in open centres and other institutional households. The majority, or 74.6 per cent, of these persons were residing in Hal Far, while a further 17.7 per cent were residing in Marsa. The majority of the residents were males whereas 17.7 per cent were Ethiopians.

During 2015, 577 persons were found to be present illegally in Malta, a decrease of 41.8 per cent over the previous year. The largest share, or 43.2 per cent, were Africans, while a further 36.0 per cent were Europeans (mainly of Serbian nationality).

Moreover, 69.7 per cent of these migrants were between 18 and 34 years old. Of the persons who were found to be illegally present in Malta, 466 persons were returned to a third country, of which 44.0 per cent returned to European countries, predominantly Serbia.

Last year, 570 third-country nationals were resettled in another country. Another 12 persons benefited from assisted voluntary return programmes.

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