Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Malta's concern over migration highest in EU
The Maltese show the highest level of concern about migration issues of all 27 EU member states, according to a recent survey commissioned by the European Commission.
The Eurostat survey, intended to investigate the perceptions towards the EU's work in the areas of justice, freedom and security, showed that 87 per cent of the Maltese population are worried about immigration. The average "concern" among the other EU citizens stood at 61 per cent. The Spanish are also very concerned (84 per cent), as are the Danes (76 per cent) - probably due to the fact that many Iraqi refugees were recently admitted to the country - and the Italians (76 per cent) who, like Malta, are on the receiving end of the endless flow of African migrants.
The survey, conducted in Malta by Misco last September, questioned EU citizens on eight policy areas. The subjects also included asylum, the exchange of police and judicial information between member states, the fight against organised crime and terrorism, the fight against drug abuse, the control of the EU's external borders, the promotion and protection of fundamental rights, including children's rights, and the improvement of access to justice.
Apart from migration, the only other issues mentioned repeatedly as being "of concern" by Maltese respondents were drugs and terrorism.
When asked whether the EU is seen as a help to Malta when it comes to migration policy, only 56 per cent agreed that this is the case, while 28 per cent said they don't see any value in the EU when it comes to immigration.
A record number of illegal immigrants landed in Malta last year, totalling 2,704.
Throughout the EU, citizens are mainly worried about organised crime and terrorism.
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Michelle Dali
Jan 20th 2009, 16:21
It is not in the least surprising that the Maltese show the highest level of concern about migration issues of all 27 EU member states! Who wouldn't be concerned when the situation has been allowed to become as dire as it has!
Every few days we read with dismay that yet another boatload of illegal immigrants has been brought to our shores. We're told that the number of arrivals of illegal immigrants exceeded the national birth rate last year. The illegal landings are called an invasion by the Prime Minister (as if we hadn't worked that one out ourselves). Dr Simon Busuttil informs us that he has made plans to strengthen Frontex, one of the many pull factors for illegal immigrants. Dr Tonio Borg admits this week that the number of arrivals is putting 'extreme pressure' on Malta's social fabric (again something we all knew already).
Worst of all, we are repeatedly informed that the government is helpless to stop the invasion, and just keeps hoping the other EU leaders will solve the problem for us! Plenty of talk but never any concrete action. Is it any wonder the Maltese people are concerned?
Denis Catania
Jan 20th 2009, 15:52
No kidding they are worried. They also have a reason to worry. With no space and 400,000 people in a 126 square mile Island. This is why Maltese are joining our Facebook group Save Malta From Illegal Immigrants at an average of 100 members a day in the last 2 weeks. We now have 2830 members. More that any of Malta's political party official facebook group including the ruling party. Our petition has grown to 1700+ members. Please sign the petition http:// www.gopetition.com/online/21497.html and join the facebook group. We are bocoming one of the largest voting block outside the two major political party's. We are the largest anti illegal immigration group in Malta. We are proud, we are Maltese.
louise vella
Jan 20th 2009, 14:56
It is no surprise to anybody that “Malta's concern over migration (is) highest in EU”.
What is surprising is Gonzi’s and Mifsud Bonnici’s holy complacency about this major problem which is shaping up into a major national crisis and the main issue at the elections to the European Parliament in June. Just read newspapers.
In another article in today’s Times, “Economy faces year of low growth”, we read: “The labour market will be deteriorating …” and “Malta's weakening economic performance … will result in a slight rise in unemployment …”
Will unemployment hit Maltese workers or illegal immigrants?
In www.corriere.it we read (20 gen 07:11 CRONACHE):
Immigrazione: due maxisbarchi a Lampedusa e Pozzallo
PALERMO - Sono sbarcati in Sicilia 448 immigrati la scorsa notte tra Lampedusa e Pozzallo. Viaggiavano a bordo di vecchi pescherecci. Tra loro anche donne, bambini e neonati.
Illegal immigrants are no longer arriving in groups of 27 but in shiploads of 150 to 200.
What will Gonzi do if the elections in June are preceded by the arrival of a few shiploads of illegal immigrants? Who will he blame? And who will believe him?
Kurt Calleja
Jan 20th 2009, 14:07
And how much did this "ground-breaking" study cost the Maltese taxpayer?
How many hundreds of illegals came to Malta since the study, and how much offspring did they reproduce?
And how many illegals were taken voluntarily or not to Africa or other EU countries since the study? 0?
wally vella-zarb
Jan 20th 2009, 12:36
@ Brian Fenech
The other 16% would be those who have no opinion one way or the other, listed as 'DK/NA' ('Don't know' and 'No answer') as in the chart above, the white section at the top of the columns. Quite normal.
Brian Fenech
Jan 20th 2009, 09:25
In this article it says: "when asked whether EU is seen as help......... Only 56% agreed , while 28% don't see any help." this adds up to 84%. What about the other 16%?