Simon Busuttil to speak for EPP on illegal work proposal

The European People's Party (EPP), the largest political grouping in the European Parliament, has appointed MEP Simon Busuttil as its spokesman and opinion drafter on a European Commission proposal to harmonise sanctions against the employment of illegal workers, particularly illegal immigrants.

EPP sources told The Times yesterday Dr Busuttil was thought the most adept at the task "especially considering the big problem Malta is currently facing with illegal immigration".

The proposed directive was published by the Commission last week. It will provide for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third country nationals, particularly those who give illegal work to immigrants - a trend evident in Malta mostly in the construction sector.

The law would establish common sanctions against such practices, including fines and disqualification from public tender procedures and the recovery of EU funds and state subsidies. In the most serious of cases, the law would also provide for criminal penalties. Among others, criminal sanctions would apply in cases of repeated offences, in cases of employment of a large number of illegal immigrants and in cases where conditions are particularly exploitative.

Malta is considered to have very lax laws against this abuse, with employers found guilty of exploiting illegal workers fined Lm25.

Contacted by The Times, Dr Busuttil said: "The new law will send a clear message to employers that illegal employment can no longer be tolerated and it will also send an unequivocal message to would-be illegal immigrants that Europe is not a free-for-all. Risking your life to cross to Europe and then ending up in modern-day slavery is not worth it".

The EU estimates there are more than five million illegal workers in its member states.