Asylum seekers arriving by sea are typically detained upon arrival, primarily on health grounds, and are subject to closed detention facilities. There have been ongoing efforts to improve the conditions in these facilities, and efforts to introduce alternatives to detention are under discussion. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning overcrowding, limited access to legal aid, and inadequate facilities.

In 2019, Malta acceded to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, though with reservations to Articles 11, 14 and 32 which text follows :  “The Republic of Malta does not consider itself bound by Article 11 in so far as to the obligation to give consideration to the establishment of stateless seamen in its territory, or to issue said seamen with travel documents. The Republic of Malta considers itself bound by Article 14 only in so far as in regard to a stateless person who is a permanent resident in the territory of the Republic of Malta. The Republic of Malta does not consider itself obliged, in terms of Article 32 to provide or to guarantee stateless persons born outside Malta facilities for their naturalisation beyond those accorded to aliens in general.” Malta has not yet become a party to the 1961 Statelessness Reduction Convention.

In terms of integration, Malta has made strides in providing refugees with access to public healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. However, asylum seekers face challenges such as high rental costs and limited access to social services. The government is working on a second National Integration Strategy, which aims to address these issues, with a focus on social cohesion and empowering refugee communities.