A third of the Ukrainians who fled to Malta left the island
Almost a third of the Ukrainians who fled their country to Malta during the last six months left the island, according to Anna Syurma, assistant to the honorary consul of Ukraine in Malta.
Some went to other European countries to take job opportunities and others returned to Ukraine, she said.
“The people who left Ukraine found it very difficult psychologically,” she said.
“Many faced a language barrier as they do not speak English. Some went back to Ukraine to ensure that their children get the right school as the system in Ukraine is different from that of Malta.”
The Maltese showed great support but, over the months, it decreased– Anna Syurma
According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), more than 1,000 Ukrainians arrived here in the first three months of Russia’s war against its neighbor that began on February 24.
Most of those who requested humanitarian protection were women, accounting for three quarters of all arrivals. There was also a high proportion of children.
The latest NSO figures show that Malta had granted a temporary protection order to 416 people from Ukraine until May.
Since those figures were released, the number of Ukrainians here has increased to about 1,500, Syurma said.
Around 1,000 of them were given temporary protection while 30 percent left the island.
The EU Directive on Temporary Protection applies to Ukrainian citizens who left their country after February 24. The duration of this protection is one year and can be renewed every six months for a maximum of 12. Ukrainians do not need a visa to access the Schengen Area.
The directive provides for access to services such as health care and education for children. It offers Ukrainians the opportunity to work and the possibility to apply for social benefits.
Unlike refugee status, temporary protection does not allow family reunification, which means that mothers and children cannot bring their fathers to Malta and leaving may result in the loss of protection .
In any case, Ukrainian law prohibits men between the ages of 18 and 60 from crossing the Ukrainian border as they may be called up for military service.
Because of that, Syurma said, the mothers were choosing to return to Ukraine with their children to keep the family together.
While the majority of Ukrainians in Malta now have temporary protection, which gives them access to benefits, they are still suffering, according to the consular assistant. Since most are women with children, they are finding it difficult to get jobs that allow them to take care of the children while they work.
“The Maltese showed great support but, over the months, it decreased. They still need support with basic things like food, jobs and now school supplies for their children,” she said.
Anyone who wishes to provide assistance can visit the Ukrainian Refugees in Malta Facebook page.
Independent journalism costs money. Times of Malta support for price of a coffee.
Support us