Immigration: Ministry asks Opposition to outline its proposals

The Home Affairs Ministry this evening invited the Opposition to outline its proposals on illegal immigration and to say where, in its opinion, the government was not doing enough.

It also disclosed that France is expected to take some 80 refugees who were granted international humanitarian protection by Malta, and other refugees are to be relocated to the United States under an ongoing programme.

Replying to a statement issued earlier today by Opposition Home Affairs spokesman Michael Falzon, the ministry denied that the immigration problem was not being taken seriously enough.

“The government is tackling the problem of illegal immigration with the importance it deserves, without getting lost in rhetoric and without making exaggerated declarations which lead to nowhere,” the ministry said.

The ministry pointed out that the Leader of the Opposition and Dr Falzon recently attended a detailed presentation on the immigration problem. The presentation was held because the government felt the challenge of immigration could be best tackled if the country presented a united front.

The ministry also listed initiatives it has been taking, pointing out that 35 Egyptian migrants were repatriated this week and many others will follow.

A further 200 refugees have been relocated to the US and 115 African migrants had returned home under the assisted voluntary return programme

Malta had also put migration on the EU agenda and received financial assistance to tackle immigration and repatriation.

The European Commission would also facilitate the relocation of migrants in Europe in terms of the Immigration Pact.

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090219/local/disturbances-at-safi-hal-far