Where:  The island nation of Malta (Mediterranean Sea)

What: IAFR is establishing an Asulon Centre in the capital city of Valletta. The centre will be a place that welcomes asylum seekers, offering them meaningful ways to use their time during the day.

IAFR has been visiting refugees, churches and organizations in Malta since 2010. We send short term teams to engage with refugees and help pave the way to opening the Asulon Centre.

We are currently seeking long-term workers for the Asulon centre.

REFUGEE FACTS: MALTA Over 15,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Malta since 2002. 83% come from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. 85% are single. 80% are male. 1500 people died attempting to cross the sea from Africa to Europe in 2011.

Context: Refugees and asylum-seekers began arriving on the island nation of Malta by sea in the last decade. Since 2002, more than 15,000 forcibly displaced people have sought asylum in Malta. The majority received a type of temporary humanitarian protection status.

Most of these arrivals are from sub-saharan Africa and were originally attempting to reach Italy by boat. They tell stories of distress at sea and rescue by the Maltese coast guard.

After arriving on Malta, their options are limited. As Europe's most densely populated country, Malta cannot possibly integrate everyone who arrives into its society.

More Information: FSM Malta | BBC Country Profile | UNHCR