These represent over 70 per cent of the 687 people who, in the same period, were granted refugee status, given humanitarian protection or temporary protection.

In the same 18 months, covering September 2002 to March 2004, the commission gave shelter to a further 51 refugees, including 30 children, who were still being kept in homes run by the commission.

The commission, whose services are given as part of the Church services, has been helping refugees since the early 1990s when people escaping the Gulf War began arriving in Malta.

It is the bridge through which the Social Policy Ministry’s aid is passed on to those seeking shelter in Malta, and who stay in homes run by the commission or government open centres. In the 18 months under review, financial aid amounted to Lm108,917.

Between September 2002 and March 2004, the commission’s fund gave Lm58,131 in aid while the Community Chest Fund gave Lm17,527 to people who wanted to join their relatives in other countries.