Immigration "not a threat," MEPs say
Simon Busuttil calls for action, not words
Immigration should no longer be seen as a threat, since European welfare systems are endangered by an ageing European population and a shortage of workers in some sectors, European and national MPs argued in Brussels in a two-day debate. Migration should be regulated at EU level, they maintained. Most speakers also voiced support for the "pact on immigration" proposed by the EU Council Presidency.
The debate was held jointly with the French National Assembly and Senate. Participants were split into three working parties (legal immigration, illegal immigration and asylum), with each group delivering its findings to a plenary session.
Among the speakers was Maltese MEP Simon Busuttil, who complained of "too many words and not enough action".
"We are always formulating policies for the future but in the southern countries the situation is urgent", he said. He called for a system for transferring asylum seekers so as to ease the burden on countries of arrival "which have to cope with the full procedure, even though the influx of immigrants is a joint responsibility".
Legal immigration: assimilation or 'insertion'?
The European Parliament press service quoted Claudio Fava (PES, IT), reporting for the working party on legal immigration, saying that "immigration is not a European but a global phenomenon, so the EU must become a global partner, supporting development and democratisation processes" in the south.
He said two conflicting positions had emerged during the debates: "there are those who advocate integration through assimilation and oppose the contagion of the society of the migrant's country of origin" and those who "defend the idea of 'insertion'".
Mr Fava believed the debate had made it clear that legal immigration should be seen as positive and not placed in the same category as illegal immigration. It had also shown a "need to link immigration and the law", if necessary by "creating a new status for migrants".
Illegal immigration: need for solidarity between Member States
French MP Thierry Mariana, reporting for the working party on illegal immigration, explained that "the participants at our table came essentially from southern Europe", which shows that illegal immigration "is above all a problem for the Mediterranean basin".
Their debate, he said, had shown that "a joint response and solidarity are urgently needed".
Europe had to devise "a credible immigration policy while respecting human rights and treating all immigrants with dignity". He added that the Frontex Agency did not have sufficient resources to do its work, as Member States "do not always live up to their commitments".
Asylum: first implement the existing rules
Swedish MP Ulf Nilsson reported that "the majority of participants agreed on the need for a common regime" in this field. However, there were differences over how far the EU should go. The first step must be "to respect human dignity and the deadlines laid down by procedures, and guarantee family reunification", as "the current directives have not been fully implemented in the Member States".
"A crucial moment" Ndioro Ndiaye, Deputy Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), believed the immigration debate had reached "a crucial moment", as Europe has to cope with a brain drain and an ageing population. The draft directive on a Blue Card, she felt, was "a good way for the EU to join other countries such as Australia and Canada" in aiming to attract highly skilled migrants but the EU must also "innovate" and "set in train a far-reaching social reform", covering the issues of migrants' voting rights, ethical recruitment and a North-South dialogue which is "egalitarian and respects people's rights".
Simon Busuttil (EPP-ED, MT) approved of the Council's priorities but said it had generated "too many words and not enough action".
"We are always formulating policies for the future but in the southern countries the situation is urgent", he added, and called for a system for transferring asylum seekers so as to ease the burden on countries of arrival, "which have to cope with the full procedure, even though the influx of immigrants is a joint responsibility".
Reassuring public opinion Gérard Deprez (ALDE, BE), chair of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee, believed that "the Member States' governments do not realise the scale of the challenges facing us". So far they had only conducted "policies of control, which are certainly needed but are not enough". On the Blue Card directive, he called on his colleagues from the national parliaments "to make the Member States understand that we need as effective a system as possible".
Arguing that the image of a fortress Europe was nonsense, he urged national MPs "to send positive signals to public opinion" about immigration issues, as "immigration without integration will cause us more problems than it will help to solve".
Patrick Gaubert (EPP-ED, FR) believed the meeting had "put an end to the criminalisation" of immigration and that "we have heard national MPs speak about the knock-on effects of policies conducted by other countries. This is what we MEPs have been saying". He concluded "if we want to regulate and harmonise, that is all possible, if we sit round a table, the table of Europe. Then immigration will no longer be a problem but an opportunity for all".
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john fenech
Sep 14th 2008, 16:00
Quoting French MP Thierry Mariana reporting for the working party on illegal immigration explained that “the participants at our table came essentially from southern Europe”. Which shows that all the illegal immigration-“is above all a problem for the Mediterranean basin” He added that Frontex Agency did not have sufficient resources to do its work. Thank you very much but what is new?
The countries most concerned by the illegal immigration are Italy, Spain and maybe France. The first have a repatriation agreement with the countries of origin. Italy has special agreement with the Colonel and their resource is exceptionally superior to ours. While France have special relationship with the Arab countries and its resource are as good as those of Italy.
So while we thank Simon Busuttil for his perseverance and insistence about Malta’s need. It is evident that Malta’s future is in our hands. As evident by Italy, Spain, Ireland and Libya actions, who at the opportune moment put their country’s interest first, after all it is all about interest friendship is for show
Antoine Vella
Sep 14th 2008, 01:00
D.Galea
"When this country will be sinking, I'll just be joining the rest of my family up in the North..."
I take it you don't mean you'll be going to Gozo but to a foreign country. In other words you'll be an immigrant yourself. Let's hope you will not be received with the same hostility you show towards the ones coming here.
Raymond Sammut
Sep 13th 2008, 17:22
@ Corinne Vella
The other way around.
The first Arabs in Malta were not Muslim. Islam in North Africa is a young religion, only 1300 years old. Non-Muslim Arab settlements in Malta had existed much earlier. Perhaps the reason why there have never been traces of Mosques in Malta even though many Arabs lived in Malta, while several Arab residential buildings, with flat roofs and the characteristic supporting beams, are extant.
Good luck with your journey, mario borg. I am sure the guys will make a little space for you.
Stephen Zammit
Sep 13th 2008, 17:17
The truth is that Europe is still formulating a common policy on this subject. In other words till date, when EU is still without a law, we have to face the heat ourselves.
We would be stupid if we go for those boats which are heading north and are not in distress. Infact we aren't. We only help those drowning next to our shores.
Tough comments should reflect reality.
Can EU / UN / Malta stop Africans leaving Libyan coasts? NO.
Should we leave humans in distress drowning next to our shores? NO.
Does the EU require a law to (a) address problem at source and (b) cater for influxes heading to our shores? Yes.
As far as I know Simon Busuttil has recently been appointed EP rapporter on a NEW EU common migration policy. I would leave it up in his good hands. After all, I do not think he was chosen at random. I do not think he happened to be the one from 786 MEPs like that.
I believe there was a reason. And we Maltese should be proud with that.
So, I most certainly do not blame Simon Busuttil.
Corinne Vella
Sep 13th 2008, 16:09
Raymond Sammut: It's very kind of you to provide a tourist must-see list to Mario Borg but the temple builders were wiped out and the islands were later repopulated. The Arab presence, on the other hand, was very strong and several Muslim families were already here when the Arabs arrived.
Corinne Vella
Sep 13th 2008, 16:01
Malcolm Seychell: It's not a good idea to measure one's political success by using AD as a benchmark, any more than it is to count your metaphorical chickens before they hatch. It's even less of a good idea to raise the expectation that AN is the final solution to the presence of immigrants. Azzjoni Nazzjonali cannot possibly implement the various policies it has already paraded without compromising the values on which it claims it is built.
Corinne Vella
Sep 13th 2008, 15:56
Joanne Micallef: The history you say defines Malta's heritage which in turn defines the Maltese is shared with the rest of the Mediterranean which includes north Africa. Malta's history includes Arab occupation preceded by the presence of Islam.
Claire Bonello
Sep 13th 2008, 12:13
Oh my God! What about the cultural loss we will eventually suffer?
The security we may feel when walking on our streets may be completely lost in a few years time if 'immigration is not a threat'. Ridiculous!!
D Fenech
Sep 13th 2008, 06:04
So Europe, not Malta may I hasten to add, needs immigrants because of an aging population amongst other factors.
However, does it need to satisfy this need by exposing these people it needs to the dangers of the sea and the exploitation of human traffikers???Do babies need to die to satisfy this need?
Why not organise it all and make this immigration above board with regular direct flights to Europe etc.?
Does Europe need to satisfy its own needs at the expence of others?
Or could all this be just bla bla and posturing??
Methinks the latter!
Denis Catania
Sep 12th 2008, 23:55
@MEP: That's great when can the ones in Malta, start traveling freely to mainland Europe. We have 12,000 of them. Most want to come yesterday. As soon as more come in, they should be sent to the mainland, if they choose to.
Or is this just talk no action?
A.Gauci Cunningham
Sep 12th 2008, 23:04
Well at least someone somewhere is at last taking the right complaints at the right place Dr.Busuttil should be encouraged to press on at the EU institutions for immediate and effective solutions!! As Dr.Busuttil was sucessful in other issues ( Airport tax and the formation of the Frontex---although this has proved to be a failure thanks to the lack of solidarity ftom other EU countries) I am sure that with more sensible and clever political pressure we may start moving to a healthier situation with the number of immigrants!!
D.Galea
Sep 12th 2008, 23:04
When this country will be sinking, I'll just be joining the rest of my family up in the North, so far I'm doing all I can to appreciate the true jewel this country is for I know it won't be for much longer.
Michelle Dali
Sep 12th 2008, 22:51
By making sweeping statements like 'immigration is not a threat', the EU leaders are doing three things:
1. Encouraging human traffickers to continue pursing their criminal ways safe in the knowledge they will not be prosecuted.
2. Completely disrespecting the concerns of the Maltese people whose representatives repeatedly tell them that illegal immigration is, in fact, a huge problem in Malta.
3. Encouraging more men, women and children to risk their lives by making the crossing from Africa to Europe in open boats.
If the large countries of the EU have a population deficit, why don't they set up legal immigration stations in the African countries these people are fleeing from? That would prevent any further loss of life and ease the burden on countries like Malta who do not have a population deficit but are actually overpopulated!
Edwin Mifsud
Sep 12th 2008, 21:44
The European elections are just round the corner.
We will soon have the weapon that our MPs & MEPs fear. Our Vote!!
We all know what to do to make our voices heard.
Let us use our weapons wisely.
Together we can make a difference and elect someone who really represents the Maltese!!
Raymond Sammut
Sep 12th 2008, 21:41
@ mario borg
It is not for others to tell you. It is for you to find out. You can start, for example, by reading Maltese poetry.
If having done the reading, visited some some notable places such as Hagar Qim, the Museum of Fine Arts, the crypt at the Saint John's, and so on, and you still cannot discover any affinity with what is Maltese, then you may continue to find it hard to construct the definition that you want. You may not be Maltese after all, and no one can help you.
You may then want to go and search for your identity elsewhere. It may well be that the guys we see in this picture are doing the same thing themselves. You are free to join them. You can board the same boat with them. Be a sport, and share in their journey.
Gerard Cassar
Sep 12th 2008, 20:39
Certain MEP are just talking machines. Their principal use is to fill a lot of papers with their reported speeches and give work to hundreds of translators.
The first thing in the morning is looking at the papers to see whether their speech was reported. If yes, they utter a breath and smile, if not they try to get an explanation.
The stregth of the E.U. resides in the respective governments. Otherwise it is as useless as a multiparty government in Italy: unable to take action.
It appears that it only interfers in National issues according to the whim of the the respective Commissionner.
Since Europe needs workers let it organise legal immigration by setting up an adequate office in the Embassies just as the USA did years ago.
Joanne Micallef
Sep 12th 2008, 20:39
@ Mario Borg - There is no simple or short answer for your question, though If you really want to know the definition of what defines a Maltese than I suggest you brush up on your Maltese history. Our heritage is what defines us.
Jo.Galea
Sep 12th 2008, 20:23
You don't get it people.
Our government and the EU is sending us their message...clearly black on white, that immigration is "not a threat", meaning they are going to do NOTHING to alter this situation.
I'm very sorry, my fellow citezens, we have to live by the rule.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 12th 2008, 20:18
Dear EU voters, the only concerning threat in Malta for the EU was hunting, because birds are considered as common heritage, illegal immigrants are not, and therefore we have to shoulder this burden for life, whether we like or not.
I wish I hear more of you saying that you voted for the EU to abolish hunting, well I guess its our identity which is going to be abolished first.
Viva EU.
malcolm seychell
Sep 12th 2008, 20:18
@M Aloisio
AN has nothing to be embarrassed about the election result.
In 6 months we managed to get almost half of the votes AD managed to get after 20 years.
Apart this point I am sure that the absolute majority of the people do not agree how this problem is being tackled in our country.
| was not afraid to speak about this problem much before AN was even formed.
For this we were attacked by the usual people have who a personal interest that more of these people come to Malta because that means more funds from the EU(your taxes as well)
Obviously people vote as they wish, but I believe that at the next MEP election the people need to shack up both parties on this issue
Voting for AD in the MEP's would be a suicide because they have the worse policy on this issue.
Michelle Dali
Sep 12th 2008, 20:14
Yes, Simon Busuttil is right in saying that there have been too many words but not enough action. The MEPs say that immigration is not a threat. Well, did our MEPs ask a straightforward question: Why don't you come to Malta and take a few thousand illegal immigrants to your own country so that you can fill your population deficit? There is no population deficit in Malta, in fact, its overpopulated!
It is now obvious that trying to persuade the EU to help is a waste of time. The leaders of the large European countries can never understand the problems faced by a small country like Malta. Quoting statistics to them is futile. It is also obvious they are using Malta as a buffer to keep illegal immigrants out of their own countries.
Our government needs to state categorically that Malta CANNOT and WILL NOT take in any more immigrants until the ones already here are processed and either given refugee status and moved on to other EU countries (who seem need them so badly) or, if not eligible, repatriated without delay.
When are we going to have action not words from our own government?
victor vella
Sep 12th 2008, 19:53
Why don't they take the opportuniy for all and come and give the illegal immigrants an opportunity, But they should not choose they take the first people out of the gate when they come for thier quota, that way it would truly be an opportunity for all.Do the MEP consider the threat toour tuny country and other EU countries from diseases that these paople have ingrained in thier bodies? Can the local Health authorities tell us how many serious deseases they have treated on illegal immigrants from African countries, or ar ethey afraid that we may panic ? Please Mr Dalli spit it out and tel us what these people are costing us as a whole not piece meal with different ministries budgets named seperately , you can start withhouseing these people and medical care for them.
a.cassar
Sep 12th 2008, 19:36
These beaurocrats have to justify their astronomical salaries so once in a while they meet and chew the fat round a table over a couple of beers.
If europe is getting old what's keeping them from coming over and taking these illegal migrants off our hands? it would be for our and their sakes.
THey say it's not a problem. Try and tell that to the maltese soldires at hal Far and on the patrol boats.
Stephen Farrugia
Sep 12th 2008, 19:31
My friends,
How can one not cry when reading this article? Malta will never make it with these people. They have no respect for the vast majority of the people and are only puppets, having their strings pulled by men in gray shirts.
If anyone thinks that we can survive this treason within our own country, think twice.
Malta has an evil force of people that hate the country. I am convinced.
E. Azzopardi
Sep 12th 2008, 19:17
Well, here is the chance for our Government to step in very firmly. It is not a ''threat'' so why do they refuse to share the burden? If they need workers in some sectors, they should come to Malta and give them work in their country. What is the problem then?????
And it is not the problem of the Med. This Med form part of the EU. It is the problem of the EU.
''Need for solidarity between states''. What crap!!!
Mr Busuttil is right when saying a lot of talk but not enough action. But then a lot politicians are all the same:a lot of talk with little or no action!! And in six months time they will repeat what they have said during the last five years. No wonder that the popularity of the EU has plumeted.
J.Borg
Sep 12th 2008, 19:03
If they don't consider them a threat due to ageing population in Europe...then what's all the fuss as this being irregular. They could avoid hudred's of immigrants dying, by organising regular trips on suitable ships. That would be the best deal done by EU.....but as always from EU countries it is always Bla Bla Bla
P Debono
Sep 12th 2008, 19:02
This is NOT what I voted "IVA" for in 2003!!
We are being invaded by ILLEGALS, most of whom we have no idea regarding their identity, and most of whom bring sicknesses and rage to this tiny country.
Let us not forget that 1 in 3 persons in Africa suffers from AIDS....
Immigration not a threat!!! What a farce!
mario borg
Sep 12th 2008, 18:57
i already asked this question before but no answer was forwarded...i ask again: give me a robust and consistent definition of what defines a Maltese....unless so, all arguments are non-starters.
Edward Grech
Sep 12th 2008, 18:56
David Buttigieg, some do take it on the employers of illegal immigrants, who are Maltese, and cheekily enough, even some who are not Maltese: I put my disapproval to practice by totally boycotting their services.
Joanne Micallef
Sep 12th 2008, 18:49
Yeah right, so how come our MEP's have been lobbying IN VAIN for over 2 years for the EU to start proper burden sharing??
What a farce
Europe needs legal workers, as the only way migration can help Europe's welfare system is for the workers to pay their contributions. Illegal migration only contributes to erode the welfare system as locals end up redundant to be replaced by CHEAP LABOUR.
paul vella critien
Sep 12th 2008, 18:39
As usual the EU is there to fullfil its agenda, and not what its people want.The maltese goverment should use its veto, if it really means business, cut the bull.If immigration is not a problem for them , then we ought to show them we have brains
E Gatt
Sep 12th 2008, 18:30
If illegal immigration is not a threat then why don’t we
• Remove passport control altogether
• Ask the budget airlines to organise one way flights from Africa to Europe for €1 each
Some MEPs are totally cut off from people’s concerns and such speeches create a wider gulf between the people and their parliamentary representatives.
Our Continent does have an aging population problem but illegal immigration is not the solution. Also if large numbers of immigrants leave Africa they could cause an aging problem in their own country.
Simon Busuttil is right – more action not words.
Joseph Borg
Sep 12th 2008, 18:26
Oh My God!!! Since when is immigration not a threat?
Ahh.... I know. Since families are not having the same amount of children like they used to do in the old "nanna" days, population can be compensated by the inreasing number of immigrants.
Good assumption if today was April Fool's day. BUT ITS NOT!!!!
Muscat Peter
Sep 12th 2008, 18:21
MEP Gerard Deprez says that victim-countries of illegal immigration have been adopting policies of control. What control? In Malta, anybody who wishes to come, stay and enjoy social security is free to do so. The taxpayers are angry and up in arms. Control my foot!
Simon Busuttil is right to complain that Europe is talking too much and doing nothing; words but no action. Well, tell us, Simon, what action is your government taking? If not we shall think that you and your government too are full of words and no action.
Stephan Camilleri
Sep 12th 2008, 18:21
All the EU wants is to offer cheap labour to industry. In a way industry already has legislation to hire workers on a hire and fire bases on main land Europe including the UK. So all immigration is welcomed, serve industry with low wages, hence this is modern salvery. Welcome to Europe.
M Aloisio
Sep 12th 2008, 18:14
Malcolm Seychell: if you think you can do better than our MEPs why don't you try and get elected in their place? Or is AN too embarrassed to face the polls again after the last general election?
David Buttigieg
Sep 12th 2008, 18:11
"when they agree to work for cents as compared to European counterparts. They are lowering the standard of living."
Then you should have it out with the vile people (Maltese by the way) who exploit these poor desperate people by paying them a pittance for back breaking work!
I.Scicluna
Sep 12th 2008, 18:07
"Immigration not a threat," MEPs say"!
WOW! Is that so!?
So howcome the rest of the EU countries not bordering on the Med not falling over themselves to do themselves a "favour" and share some of the load we are carrying? It would solve their problem with the aging population and all that jazz.....
Pull the other one, pals; it's got bells on!
Brian Spleenovich
Sep 12th 2008, 17:52
Is immigration still not a problem when there is a samll island and too many people. If they really thought it wasn't a problem, other countries would be happy to take some immigrants.
Paul Barrett
Sep 12th 2008, 17:44
I have never before considered myself as prejudiced and have always taken individuals as individuals. Reading the above article however, my previous beliefs are perhaps now on shaky ground. Maybe I am being slightly racially prejudice here but integration sounds fine until you actually look at the numbers and percentages involved in a small island like Malta where if some assistance is not given, the Maltese will, within a few years be the absolute minority. If main land Europe is so worried about the declining population, there are I am sure, quite a few in the open and closed centers that would be only too happy to move on.
Edward Grech
Sep 12th 2008, 17:42
With burden-sharing, illegal immigrant arrivals are going to INCREASE, not decrease.
Does the EU really want to save lives, or not?
The message we must give Africans is "Stay in Africa and try and build your countries", and not "Come to Malta and we will pass you on to Europe".
Malcolm Seychell
Sep 12th 2008, 17:23
If they are not a threat, then why they don\t take the few thousands we have!!!
The truth is that most MEPs are without b...ls and do not want to take action and responsability.
All they want is the excellent salary and benefits they get
They don\t care what the people are saying and what the people want
I agree with Dr Simon Busittil, that we need action not words.
But action won't come from the EU, so the government has to take action on his own.
I am sure he will have the support of at least 90% of the population
C.R. Taliana
Sep 12th 2008, 17:17
The usual bla bla bla. The Powerful EU countries up north don't care about the problem. See if anything changes after all these speeches!
For me yes they are a threat, when they agree to work for cents as compared to European counterparts. They are lowering the standard of living.
louise vella
Sep 12th 2008, 16:58
The rich countries of Northern Europe and the former colonial powers attract immigration from Africa and Asia. Migrants from Africa and Asia try to pass through southern European countries illegally on their way northward. Southern European countries are acting as a buffer holding back hundreds of thousands of immigrants. It's up to the Northern European countries to decide if they want these migrants (in which case they become legal) or not (in which case they remain illegal and unwanted in Soutern European countries.