Minister on work to repatriate illegal immigrants

The government was working hard to repatriate a substantial number of illegal immigrants soon, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said.

"Italy has been facing an influx of immigrants and we are getting a small part of the inflow. So far, we are just coping with these developments and the situation is under control. However, the flow of illegal immigrants is proving to be a big headache to us," he said.

Over 100 illegal immigrants landed in Malta in two separate groups over the past week, pushing the total number to about 550.

On Monday, Italy appealed for European help to tackle a wave of illegal immigrants after another boating tragedy brought death to the country's shores. No fewer than 51 illegal immigrants drowned in Sicilian waters in the last week alone.

In the first six months this year, 12,124 illegal immigrants reached Lampedusa and Sicily - in stark contrast with the 2,759 that arrived in the same period last year.

Dr Borg said that over the past days steps were taken to repatriate the 65 illegal immigrants who landed at Mgarr ix-Xini, in Gozo on Sunday. It was very likely this batch of immigrants were Egyptians, he said.

"We are working hard to get their documents so that they can be repatriated. We hope this will take place in the coming weeks."

Dr Borg said there were also moves to repatriate some of the illegal immigrants who had been in Malta for a substantial period of time.

"I am optimistic things will get moving soon over the repatriation of immigrants who have been in Malta for quite a long time. I have seen significant developments in this direction."

Dr Borg said the government was considering expanding the Hal-Far immigrants' reception centre by taking over an area close to the existing building.

He said Ta' Kandja would only be used in exceptional circumstances and that it would be closed down as soon as possible.

The increase in the flow of illegal immigrants was proving to be a "financial burden" for the government, the minister said.

"With the number of illegal immigrants on the rise, the expense is increasing. What is really a burden and an extra cost is the air fare for repatriation which, on average, costs Lm200 for each person plus the security we have to supply on board."