Detention centres to have stronger fencing

A new detention centre in Safi is due to be completed at the end of next week, making possible the transfer of migrants currently living under canvas at Lyster Barracks, Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela said yesterday.

He told Parliament that the centre would take 224 migrants. Although there were plans to set up sub-divisions so that migrants could be accommodated according to their countries, no decision had been taken yet because costs would reach some Lm55,000. One also needed to keep an eye on capacity.

Dr Abela said, when replying to questions, that in view of recent breakouts, the new detention centre would be ringed by a new, stronger, chain-link fence. Two former warehouses also being used as detention camps would also have their fences reinforced.

Dr Abela said that although some 250 migrants were deported in the past three months, another 1,100 remain in detention.

He said the government still planned to eventually transfer this sector completely to the Detention Service and a fresh call for recruitment would be issued shortly, even though the first call only drew 16 applicants. Former soldiers and policemen would be able to apply and would still retain their full pension.

This para-military service would eventually take over responsibility for the migrants from the police and the army and its personnel would be able to receive training that was specific to dealing with migrants, including aspects of communication and psychology, the parliamentary secretary said.

A total of 123 soldiers, including five officers, are currently detailed for duties with illegal immigrants.