Sant outlines integration difficulties to Socialist MEP

Malta faced a problem with illegal immigration and could not undertake integration programmes that were not compatible with its small size and particular circumstances, Labour leader Alfred Sant said.

He was speaking during a meeting with Socialist MEP Ralf Walter, who came to Malta as part of a delegation of the European Parliament's Budget's Committee. The delegation is in Malta to learn about the use of EU funds in the field of immigration.

Dr Sant explained that the problem of illegal immigration faced by Malta was a national problem that caused social tension. While the Labour party agreed that immigrants who landed in Malta ought to be treated in a humane manner that matched the European values of solidarity, there was a need to improve the facilities in the detention and open centres where immigrants were hosted.

Having said that, Dr Sant added, one could not ignore the fact that Malta had its financial and human limitations. He believed that other EU countries ought to take on their share of immigrants who ended up in Malta and create opportunities for these immigrants.

Mr Walter agreed that Malta faced a problem with irregular immigrants and was impressed by the extent of the problem. He said that Malta ought to find support from other EU countries as this was a problem to be dealt with by the whole Mediterranean region.