The government will soon be implementing an EU directive that will bring about several amendments to the Refugee Act, broadening slightly the definition of humanitarian status and allowing migrants to have their case reopened before the Refugees Commission if there are new facts, Justice and Internal Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.

Dr Borg was speaking during the formal appointment of the new Refugee Commissioner Mario Friggieri.

The minister explained that the first commissioner, Charles Buttigieg, was appointed commissioner in 2001 after the Refugees Act was approved in 2000.

“During the past six years, he has given his best and much more. It is not easy, processing applications that will eventually decide if a person will be given refugee status or not,” he said.

Care has to be taken, added Dr Borg, not to be too harsh or too soft in dealing with the applications or there would be no differentiation between those who need the protection of refugee status and those who do not.

Dr Borg gave high praise to Mr Buttigieg and said that his decisions were always very impartial and taken independently. The government had never appealed against any of his decisions, he said.

Since 2002, the commission has processed 4,858 applications, of which 192 were granted refugee status, 2,200 were granted humanitarian status, 2,150 were refused and another 143 were withdrawn.

At present, added Dr Borg, there are 600 pending applications.

“One has to keep in mind that it is very difficult to assess all these applications. Over the years, migrants have arrived from 64 countries,” he said.

Dr Borg said that Mr Friggieri worked very hard to help young people and students and has worked extensively in the social sector. “It is very important for someone in his position to have a background in social work. Mr Friggieri has worked for the Curia and is also involved in various philanthropic and religious organisations,” he said.

Mr Friggieri also works in the Social Solidarity and Family Ministry and was the person who ran the open centre in Hal Far.

At the moment, there are over 2,000 people in open centres and 1,300 in detention centres.