Nine immigrants return home voluntarily
Nine Sudanese immigrants were this afternoon voluntarily repatriated to their homeland hoping for a better future.
The nine men were given €5,000 when they chose to be part of the scheme, which is the second phase of the DAR project, that is co-funded by the EU.
They are the first group of immigrants to join the second phase of the voluntary repatriation scheme that is expected to repatriate 37 people by the end of this month. They are from Ghana (17), Sudan (10), Nigeria (seven) and Senegal (three).
During last year’s first phase, 75 immigrants chose to return to their homeland, settle down and set up their own businesses.
In a report presented to the European Commission earlier this week, MEP Simon Busuttil emphasised the importance the EU should give repatriation programs such as DAR. In fact more funds have been allocated from the EU in this regard.
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C Chircop
Feb 13th 2009, 20:27
I tend to steer away from commenting on the subject, however I can't help commenting here.
To start with, I am all for accommodating genuine refugees, but these are few and far between...no wonder most of them try to fool the authorities that they are from Somalia or Eritrea (from where the majority of genuine refugees eminate).
Did anybody note the Burberry scarves at least two of these guys sported? (As T Lombardi correctly spotted , and as PBS showed in their coverage in the news).
For those who don't know, Burberry stuff cost a bomb. There are families in Malta who barely afford to clothe their children properly.
And yet, we see these people returning home (which is supposed to be the country they fled from persecution) in comfort. Are these really fleeing persecution? If yes, the authorities are voluntarily allowing them to risk their lives. If not, then could it be that these took the chance (illegally) to see whether they could have a better life in Europe?
Whenever Maltese migrated in the past to other countries, it was legally AND they worked themselves off. No comparison at all.
Chris Mifsud
Feb 13th 2009, 20:19
I'm glad to see the back of them .. But why has the government given them 5K to do it ???
What does the Malta government owe them ?
The fact that they left back to their country is a clear sign that all is ok and they should have been made to go back with no 5000 euros from our pockets .
Malta is a laughing stock . Pay ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to leave .
Next thing , we will be paying theives not to steal and murderers not to murder .
Patrick Bellia
Feb 13th 2009, 20:07
hope the authorities have a photo of them in case they return again as illigal immigrants for another 5,000 euros
L. Gauci
Feb 13th 2009, 19:08
This business of rewarding those who broke the law to enter a country illegally does not make sense. We are only encouraging others to come here, so that they too will receive 5000 euros to go back. They should be sent back empty-handed, so as to teach them that crime does not pay. I hope that,at least, their photos and finger prints are taken,and that a record is kept with the names of those who have received money to go back. Otherwise they will return to get more money from us
Vincent Zerafa
Feb 13th 2009, 18:45
All in the name of the so called 'POLITICAL CORRECTNESS'!!
"In a report presented to the European Commission earlier this week, MEP Simon Busuttil emphasised the importance the EU should give repatriation programs such as DAR. In fact more funds have been allocated from the EU in this regard."
Guess from where the funds from the EU come from? From all the taxes imposed on European workers!! Political correctness is political madness. Wake up people!
Mario (Marinton) Gauci
Feb 13th 2009, 18:41
When my son joined MCAST straight after leaving school 2 years ago, he was told that no stipend would be given unless he found a sponsor. Luckily for him he did find one only to earn €46 per week. This works out at €2,422 per year.
The reason I am writing about this is because our children are literally working as an apprentice for pittance and are also expected to work like any ordinary employee. After finishing their apprenticeship in two years time, they still would not have earned the money being given to these scroungers who are making Malta a laughing stock.
Can I please have the equivalent monies given to me and take a couple of months off work!!!
Prosit Gonzi, you can count me out in future elections.
Shame on you and your government.
d. borg
Feb 13th 2009, 18:27
This piece of news really drives me mad. If they are going back then they should have been repatriated without giving them anything. We don't owe them anything. Look at some of our workers who are working 4 day weeks or being sacked. Who's going to give them money to start some new business? Don't you think that these law breakers are being rewarded instead of punished for breaking the law.
joseph abdilla
Feb 13th 2009, 17:59
This is rediculous. What's stopping them coming again and get another E5000? Besides this is encouraging other immigrants to do the same. It,s good business as far as they are concerned!!
Jennifer Soames
Feb 13th 2009, 17:53
I am happy for these people. I hope they make it in Sudan and cherish the days/ months they spent in Malta. I hope they met kind people here not just monsters. It's good to know that Malta has helped them get back on their feet - they certainly look smart and healthy.
To those who cannot but be venomous, why don't you choke on your words? The money (5,000 euros) given to them were from a fund partially provided by the EU not by Gonzipn.
Simon J. Aquilina
Feb 13th 2009, 17:52
Although it may look as achieving results, in my humble opinion this scheme is wrong. Unfortunately I am afraid that to the people in these countries it gives a wrong message about what illegal immigration means - the message they get is "go to Malta illegally and you get €5,000"! Also let us remember that they come in Malta illegally; from when have we started to believe that crime pays off? ... actually financed by our own governments! It is true these people are in need, however this is not the way to help them. If they escape because of their governments then their is no progress made until they go living under that same government! As always we try hiding the truth, rather then identifying the root of the problem and solve it!
Kevin Vella
Feb 13th 2009, 17:51
I just moved to Malta from Canada... legally, of course. How much money do I get to go home?
C Busuttil
Feb 13th 2009, 17:51
Sorry Mr. Bonanno, but what is your point. If these people were truly in danger they would not be returning to their country. So the point is why are we using our tax money which I think you will agree is greatly needed for other things on the island and not to set up businesses for illegal immigrants. This it the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Look at these guys a million suitcases and looking pretty spiffy I'd say! So once again I ask, what was your point? I say yes they shouldn't be here and we shouldn't have to give them money to return home!
a.caruana
Feb 13th 2009, 17:41
@Matthew Bonanno
And why can't we have it both ways? Why should we pay them for breaking our laws? Would you give a thief your savings to leave your house unless he is threatening to kill you? your comment makes it sound like they are doing us a favour by leaving when in fact it's the other way round.
Joe Morana
Feb 13th 2009, 17:33
OK! Agreed that paying them to go back will only encourage more to try their luck at this roulette! In fact the Italians do have records of illegal immigrants who were repatriated and were later rearrested in Italy again! They also had illegal immmigrant landings where individuals were in possession of return airline tickets to North African countries when they landed. How dumb can the government and the EU get?
One positive outcome of this story: The Burberry scarf, pinstripe suit, digital camera, designer(?) luggage, etc were all purchased here in Malta. One way for government to stay on the good side of the GRTU! What goes around, comes around. I wonder if they had to buy their own airline tickets, as well!
P Debono
Feb 13th 2009, 17:28
So let us get this straight. I have been living in Malta legally for my whole life and always paid taxes, and I would like to set up my own business. But obviously the financial constraints do not permit me to do so, so instead we have to slave off by working two jobs at a time at a minimum wage, while these illegals are being given the equivalent of a lottery win in their country.
Can the government please explain why I cannot set up my business whereas people who came here illegally are being granted the funds to do so and more?
Guze Xerri
Feb 13th 2009, 17:25
what a sweet deal these shrewd africans managed to swindle from the over taxed malti
Michelle Dali
Feb 13th 2009, 17:23
While I'm glad to see the back of them, since they had no right to be in Malta in the first place, I think it is highly irresponsible to be rewarding these people for their illegal activity. It is obvious they were never escaping war or persecution, otherwise no amount of money would persuade them to return.
They came here illegally, lived off taxpayer's money, perhaps engaged in a riot or two, then when they agreed to be repatriated, got a huge lump-sum reward for their activity! Seems this human trafficking business is lucrative not only for the criminals behind it, but for the so-called 'victims' too!
Aaron Baldacchino
Feb 13th 2009, 17:02
What a disgrace! I wonder when the Maltese Government and Opposition will WAKE UP !!!
Denis Catania
Feb 13th 2009, 16:32
Just think what great advertisment they will be for illegal immigration and human traffickers when their countrymen find out they received 5000 Euros to leave. See how they are laughing at the Maltese in Malta.
Stephen Vella
Feb 13th 2009, 16:27
They will probably be back this summer on a boat for another e5000.
Matthew Fenech
Feb 13th 2009, 16:21
I would like to set up my small business. I've always paid my taxes and been a good Maltese citizen. Can I get help from the government?
E. Attard
Feb 13th 2009, 16:12
wow that's good news !!! Now this will encourage more to come to our small little island !!! what more are we to put Malta through !!! oh my !!!!!! come on !!!! we have to defend our island and not let more come over to influence our island and to corrupt it and use us like this !!! we hardly have place for us to live let alone other people ! there will come a time in Malta that Mlatese will cease to exsist u mark my words .... there wil come a time when morals and values will cease to exsist imbaghad nghidu rajt Malta tinbiddel with a sigh !
Noel Barry
Feb 13th 2009, 16:09
Dear Mr Cardona. I can assure you that Gonzi and the PN are still alive and governing our country for another 4 years. Next time vote for those who want to bring terrorists to our country and may I suggest that you keep some of them in your home.
Charles Sammut
Feb 13th 2009, 16:09
This is ridiculous.
So it is safe for them to go back. It is possible to get travel documents if they cooperate. It is possible for their country to take them back.
So why are they not repatriated immediately? Why are they released from detention? This attitude make the blood boil.
Rewarding criminality and irresponsibility is what this government will be remembered for.
Oh dear, there is another disturbance at Hal Far. They seem to have started a fire at the detention centre there according to someone who was passing through the area some time ago. And the trouble seems to be spreading. I hope they don't get too noisy or Gonzi might wake up from his slumber.
Matthew Zammit
Feb 13th 2009, 16:08
haha! what a joke! digital camera and all.
Corinne Vella
Feb 13th 2009, 16:02
Sander Depasquale: If you tried out that little scheme of yours, you might find out why this one makes sense. What's stopping you?
Luke Bowerman
Feb 13th 2009, 15:57
This is just unbelievable!! 45K euro down the drain!! What do we care of what they do when they go back! Bear ont hing that when I unemployed I dont get any renumeration for staying at home watching TV & drinking beer! This is utterly unacceptable!! Money from the peoples pockets are given to be spent for god knows wat!!
Matthew Bonanno
Feb 13th 2009, 15:53
so you don't want them to be here (a fair enough opinion to have). but you don't want to give them some money for them to go back...make your minds up. You can't have it both ways.
Lee Micallef
Feb 13th 2009, 15:51
I wonder if they brought all those suitcases with them when they arrived ???? no wonder they are smiling and happy because they are probably thinking " in six months i will return for another 5000 euros"
malcolm azzopardi
Feb 13th 2009, 15:49
work it out...
they took Euro 5000 , which they will now reinvest them in another 10trips(euro500 X 10) and get Euro 50,000(Euro5000 X 10)for every time they get repatriated.
Definitely the credit crunch, is not effecting the immigrants "who are looking for a better future"
T Lombardi
Feb 13th 2009, 15:48
@malcolm azzopardi
you forgot to mention the Burberry scarf.... and the digital camera!
malcolm azzopardi
Feb 13th 2009, 15:42
well...from the photo they don't look poor ,or maybe the pinstriped suit , leather jacket and sunglasses were bought with the Euro5000!!!!
Sander Depasquale
Feb 13th 2009, 15:41
How much I wish to escape from Malta to Libya illegally for €500 and get €5000 in return for bringing me back! The people from Sudan as far as I know are escaping persecution if not they should be sent home straight away not being given a bonus.
Anthony Cardona
Feb 13th 2009, 15:37
What a scam. Another 45,000€ thrown down the drain. Can the gonzi tell us what he is doing to help the unemployed and what will they get? Is the gonzi still alive? I will presume that the gonzi and his party are death next time I have to vote.