Ten years into her life in Malta, Mariia Ivanova finds herself trapped in a maze of regulations that seem to have no answer for her situation. Having fled the conflict in Ukraine, she's discovered that Malta's rules and systems don't adequately account for the realities facing those who've escaped war-torn countries [1].

It's a predicament that speaks to a broader challenge: as more people worldwide are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, many countries—including Malta—have yet to craft regulations flexible enough to accommodate their unique circumstances. Ivanova's decade-long residency on the islands has only underscored how disconnected bureaucratic frameworks can be from the lived experiences of those seeking safety.

Her story raises important questions about whether Malta's current legal structures are fit for purpose when it comes to supporting refugees and displaced persons, particularly those who've made the island their home for years.