Second group of migrants arrives at Ghar Lapsi

Case is over?

Malta and the European Union should turn to the United Nations for a quick fix mela!!!! I thought it was the United Nations that complains about immigrant issue not the EU... !

It is up to the United Nations to solve problems in Africa and not Malta and Europe.

AFrica is the richest continent. Yet it is the most miserable for bad management.

You wanted indepedence you rightly got it. Now it is up to you to take the benefits but also the disadvantages just like Malta did.

@ Aminu Ahmed
Please contact the Times of Malta
Allied Newspapers Ltd.
‘Strickland House’
341 St. Pauls Street
The article title is: Suffering in silence by Dr. John Attard Montalto

@ Any body would like to discuss seriously.
The Maltese are Fretted – Why the European Union tackling is not up to the Maltese expectations? This is not classified as a Million Dollars question. I know the answer and I am certain many others know much much better than I do.
Sorry, I should have used European currency but the debate on the this issue (euro or euros) is still on, and most probably would continue a bit further, so I played it safe!

@Kamal Awad
First where can i find this paper, i am interested, second i use to tell my friends that History is repeating its self but in a diffrent fashion, as you indicated and i agree with you. The somination of the African continent is of great intellectual interest, this continent is rich innatural resources , in fact statistics shows that if the wealth it has will be shared properly, i doubt if any African will leave that continent, and guess what will happen, the exact opposite.

But unfourtunatly this is the resultant of the colonial and slavery period, This immigants as i pointed out went through an unimaginable jorney, there is a publication on the trip they went through from thier home towns to Europe, you can find it here" http://www.nigeriantripoli.org/illegal_migration.pdf " , i have also made a tour in the southern part of Libya to see it for myself. something must be done about it , a long term solution must be put in place. but let them narrate their story themselves, and you will have an idea of what they went through.

@Steven Calascione
I would understand your point positively and comment on the last bit.
Yes –why not? We should turn a ‘problem’ into a good opportunity. By year 2020 which is around the corner, all the European countries would be in need to (20 millions workers) to work pay taxes to secure pension for the old people. Our European Politicians know this fact very well. Instead of just pointing fingers and complaining we as civilized and sincere citizens should understand the whole picture of any issue and provide our politicians with ideas.

@Aminu Ahmed
On Friday, 14th December 2007 MEP Dr. John Attard Montalto wrote a factual article that may interest those who seriously wish to be aware of the core problem of Africa. Here I quote a paragraph - (The scramble for Africa has started all over again. In the colonial period, European nation-states competed between themselves. After World War II, the US permitted Europe to continue to dominate the continent, on the reckoning that the boost to the European economies would boost trade with the US itself.)
It seems My ‘name’ would allow all of us to hear different views. I am glad.

@Aminu Ahmed
On Friday, 14th December 2007 MEP Dr. John Attard Montalto wrote a factual article that may interest those who seriously wish to be aware of the core problem of Africa. Here I quote a paragraph - (The scramble for Africa has started all over again. In the colonial period, European nation-states competed between themselves. After World War II, the US permitted Europe to continue to dominate the continent, on the reckoning that the boost to the European economies would boost trade with the US itself.)
It seems My ‘name’ would allow all of us to hear different views. I am glad.

@Steven Calascione
Thats a good start, but its just the normal political sterotypical solutions, meaning "short term solutions".

EU and the WEST in General have to make sure that this currupt leaders are not finding safe heaven in Europe with the stolen money, this includes "UAE" and countries like Egypt , South Africa and the rest.

thats were the solution starts. and they have to be sincere in the approuch not selective.

We should start by building more comfortable accommodation, providing educational services and if possible, the opportunity to contribute to society in some way.

As an African , i Have lived there and i know how it goes, i have worked with this immigrants for 5 years and they fell very safe to talk to me. what i have to say here is;
- the simple solution that has been avoided for many years has to be given a thought again, i.e why are this people coming illegally here? do we think they just leave thier homes just for the sake of coming to Europe? is Malta thier destination? and the questions go on with out ending.
- In the summit of AU 2005, i was part of it and i can tell you some one gave a very good solution to this problem i.e its all about the economics, the Europeans should stop keeping the Money stolen from Africa by the currupt leaders, that way this leaders will invest that same money in thier contires even if stolen, end result very simple "more work generation" and they will stop comming.
- not all Immigrants are unskilled, you will be suprised with the kind of education/talents some of them have, and dont forget they didnt chose to be like that. think.

@ Sergio Galea Vincenti
I somewhat agree with you in certain point. Yes grumbling is easy and Scaremongering
Is even easier. But what’s next? Is there anybody to provide a solution? WHAT AND HOW? Shall we opt to a NATO option? Certainly not.
Immigrants provide a very sound - good material for every one to talk - This include top EU Politicians to Mary tal Hut at Marsaxlokk fish market. Yes the fact is that when in power politicians are faced with realities and refine issues- this is their prime task so far.

It seems that all political parties from all colors – directions are at panic (Blue – Red – Green –Yellow - Right – Center right far right – Left –center left – far left …). I guess the upside down direction is missing? If I were to invent such a party it will only get my vote. So, I would better think reality and suggest a solution. Now I am off to watch ESC and try to decipher the code – why we didn’t make it to the final? This is a 'hotter' issue indeed –(smile)

I don't know why we all grumble about our politicians not doing anything: When one elected politician - Franco Galea - spoke up on the issue and proposed the very same things which today are being implemented, he got shafted by the media and the very PN of which he formed part.... Not only was he ridiculed and called a racist (which he isn't, for those who know him) but he ended ended up not getting re-elected...

So, folks, we have only ourselves to blame when things are allowed to grow to unmanageable levels as they are about to become soon.

A suggestion

@Joseph E Briffa

It’s all about the supply and demand.
We must first be aware that the average birth rate in the EU is down to about 1.5 children per woman, raising fears that an ageing European population will not be able to finance pensions systems. This population’s deficit must be filled. This mean more man power is needed. This very simple fact Immigrants understand it. European citizens ( politicians not included) don’t.

But the EU may only require skilled immigrant?

Ten, The European Commission should provide adequate finance to the European Union countries no only to feed or shelter the immigrant but to create a training center ETC –style to provide training to semi or un-skilled peoples.

On this issue I am stumped, I do honestly feel for these people.

@ Sandro Pace: We are in Malta not in Italy - When the Maltese people go for general election they are programmed into 2 colors. Unless the software of this programming is decoded every thing would remain the same.

We will only be hearing words such as – immigrant will change our culture - invasion – taking our money – taking tax payers money - terrorists – bla bla bla - You may hear others say that, but in general election we have more serious issues... this simply means immigrant is the issue of no issue in Malta. I would only say one thing - racists cloak with patriotism should shut up and stop using continues techniques which only add fuel – increases tension but never provide a solution.

What can the governement of Malta do? One can't send these people back because one doesn't know where they came from - no identification papers I presume. One can only rescue them, feed them and give them shelter and keep them in confinement until one considers their case. What else? Does anybody have any suggestions?

Hey guys, I agree with all of you and all points mentioned are valid..... but keep your voices low since otherwise pro-illegal immigration people will start calling us racists just because we want to defend our country!!

Italy here, Italy there. You know what? the Italians were wise enough to choose also parties who put immigration as an issue to represent them. Not so much the Maltese, who were locked in bipartisan pique over some reception class, which could be done or removed at a stroke of a pen.

Its not that such parties are perfect, and one can find many other excuses, but at least someone was going to start. As for immigrants, what cannot fit in large Italy, cannot fit in little Malta.

But don't expect the PN or the MLP, both centre parties, to go much beyond their means to defend the national interest. This unlike the Italians, who are pushing ahead no matter what other countries or the EU say. So, what you vote, you get.

I fully agree with all the comments posted so far. I think that whatever has been done up to now has not been effective at all and things have to start being tackled very differently, along the lines of the actions being taken in Italy, otherwise we're headed towards the South Africa of the Mediterranean. Frontex?! EU?! We don't have time to waste on such apalling jokes. It's time for different, drastic, and effective measures.

This is very disturbing news and undoubtedly with the oncoming of Summer, the frequency is going to increase and our resources will be further stretched beyond the limits that have already been broken. It is not a question of colour or race, prejudice or discrimination. Let us just look at what is happening in South Africa, where black South Africans have taken to the streets and have been beating, burning and murdering their black bretheren who have infiltrated from Zimbabwe and Nigeria and who have been fleeing from their homelands and seeking better prospects in South Africa. The South Africans are complaining that the foreigners are taking their jobs, taking money from social security, taking apartments and generally causing socio-economic problems. Now, the South African army has entered the fray to try and stamp out the mind-boggling brutality that has been taking place for over a whole week.

Are these alarming pointers for us in Malta where there already is a lot of resentment and alarm at this continuing invasion of illegal immigrants?

During the electoral campaign neither major political party pronounced anything on this very delicate and disturbing matter.

What are they waiting for - a South African situation?

They must be coming for the Vodka!
Welcome travellers: Just follow the FRONTEX signs.
A reception will be held after the arrival ceremony.
Enjoy your stay

Please allow me to reiterate to what I commented yesterday.
Immediate action against illegal immigration is now more than ever a top priority. Things are getting out of hand. We should have the guts and firmness to follow Italy making illegal immigration a jailable offence; or better expelling all illegal immigrants.
If Italy did it, why we cannot do it?
As Maltese citizens we are duty bound to protect our country from this massive passive invasion for our own sake but even more for the sake of our children.
Our MP's (government and opposition) should unite in a common front to free our country from this hazard rather than spend a lot of valuable time in rivalry against each other.
Blaming the members of the Detention Service is unjust. The work of these officers is stressful and dangerous and yet they always seem to get at least the shadow of misconduct!

Frontex ?! Ahoy !

After just 5 days from its inception, the EU's patrols off the coast of Malta aimed to stem the flow of illegal immigration seem to be doing one, great job!