Freed immigrants in 'legal limbo'

Peace Lab director Fr Dionysius Mintoff OFM has expressed concern at the situation of Eritreans who were granted freedom on Christmas eve, describing it as a "legal limbo".

The Home Affairs Ministry had said at the time that the move to transfer the Eritreans from detention to an open centre, involving those whose cases have been before the courts for a long time, was a gesture of goodwill.

The group comprises illegal immigrants who entered Malta in March and July of 2002.

But, while recognising the goodwill of the authorities to do away with the bars of detention, Fr Mintoff said there was great concern for the status of the 75 Eritreans who include men, women and children and who are now being held at the Hal Far open centre.

The Hal Far centre normally houses those granted refugee status and facilities are similar to a hostel.

"These are being held in a 'legal limbo' which does not regard them as having been granted refugee status or which affords them the rights of humanitarian status.

"Since they are not behind bars their situation has changed dramatically. But living in a limbo creates difficulties in adapting for this change - lest freedom is diluted," he said.

Fr Mintoff said freedom without a personal status is but an oyster without a pearl.