Malta needs EU assistance over illegal immigration

In the wake of a record number of illegal immigrants landing in Malta this month, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici described illegal immigration as "one of the major challenges being faced by our country".

Dr Mifsud Bonnici said last week that despite the fact that Malta has "constantly striven to handle this challenge in the best way possible... a lot remains to be done especially when it comes to the integration of those refugees or persons granted humanitarian protection that choose to remain in Malta".

He believes that working with other EU member states to share the burden of illegal immigration is the way forward.

"It is with satisfaction that we note that, following our pleas, the EU is now starting to realise the seriousness of the situation and seems determined to take concrete steps to address it."

The Times sought popular opinion about what Malta should do about illegal immigration and the responsibility the island bears to refugees.

"Illegal immigration is hitting the poorest people hardest. Wages are low and illegal immigrants and refugees are taking jobs away from the most vulnerable Maltese people because they work for less.

"Businesses who exploit illegal immigrants and refugees are racist. Immigrants should get the same wages as Maltese nationals.

"I do, however, think we need to enforce EU rules and get tougher on the time spent in detention by illegal immigrants, like in Italy. We also need to stop providing them with housing and other facilities in order to deter more people from entering the island illegally," - John Cauchi of Valletta said.

"I'm totally against illegal immigration and we need help from our so-called European friends to help combat the problem. I don't think the larger EU countries are helping enough and Frontex can't be doing their job properly" - Carmelo Pace, Valletta.

"Illegal immigration is a big issue. I think it is our duty to help these people but we cannot provide for so many for so long.

"Refugees should be given work and accommodation to help put them on their feet. However, while Malta should provide temporary assistance for refugees, an essential part of integration into society should be to work for a living and not rely on government assistance" - Fr Richard Borg, Floriana.

"I think Malta should send all illegal immigrants back to their country of origin as we cannot afford to keep them here. Fellow EU members should help share the burden of those who are granted refugee status" - Lino Spiteri, Iklin.

"Illegal immigrants are human beings and deserve to be treated as such but we cannot absorb anymore into our small country.

"Illegal immigration was a problem for Malta before we joined the EU and now that we are members the Union should help us address the issue.

"Illegal immigrants, even those with refugee status, are an EU problem, not just Malta's. They head for Europe, not particularly Malta and fellow member countries should share some of the burden" - George Azzopardi, Qormi.

"We need the UN to help Malta combat this problem by relocating 90 per cent of illegal immigrants. We are too small to cope with the influx.

"The government provides illegal immigrants with too much of an incentive to stay here: accommodation, clothes and mobile phones. The Maltese people already support many global charities but I believe charity begins at home and we need to help the Maltese people first" - Henry Farrugia, Valletta.

"Illegal immigration is a big problem. We are too small to cope with the influx and there is not enough space for them all. Genuine refugees should work and pay taxes to their host country" - Audrey Micallef, Attard.