The Emigrants’ Commission was instructed by the then Social Policy Ministry to give grants of Lm2 per day to single people, Lm100 per month to couples and Lm1 per day for children granted refugee and humanitarian status.

The Commission said that up to July 2004, Lm139,175 had been paid out, including 50 cents per day travel allowance to those housed in open centres. Aid to males was limited to two months only.

Those who benefited from the aid scheme include 648 men, 147 women and 154 minors. The Commission said that in 2001 it had also worked to have illegal immigrants accepted as legal migrants to Australia, the US and Canada, but this has become very difficult since 2002. A total of 2,271 people have been sent to these countries.

The Commission also tries to arrange travel documents for the refugees to enable them to visit their families and friends.

In addition, they can also apply for funds to pay for their fares from the Malta Community Chest Fund, an Emigrants’ Commission purpose fund and also the Catholic Action Social Assistance Secretariat.

The Commission also helps the refugees and those with humanitarian status to find jobs and to find places in schools for their children. It said that its members work with dedication to help asylum seekers build a proper future.