More Tunisians repatriated

Alison Natalie Keeler

Mar 11th 2009, 14:59

If I'm understanding the previous posts correctly, it seems that the time delay in repatriating those who arrive illegally is created by the host country's administration system.

Might I suggest then, why not pass an EU wide law changing this? They arrived without passports, surely they could leave without them.

In their place, some kind of alternative temporary paperwork be prepared, containing the details the Maltese authorities have been told by them, ie their name, date of birth, country of origin etc, . Such a document would then serve as a temporary travel document for those being sent from a country into which they entered illegally.

It would speed things up and reduce costs of housing, feeding and all other costs involved in the detention and monitoring of those who arrive undeclared.

L..Galea

Mar 9th 2009, 18:17

Joseph E Briffa There is a Tunisian ambassador. If the Tunisian illegal immigrats gave their details and cities/towns where they came from then it would be easy for the Tunisian Government to check the details and issue the passports without any delay. What if they were in another country and really lost their passport? Would they have to wait for months on end for a new one? M. Mercieca Are the other countries who are deporting illegal immigrats and disregarding their international obligations being considered as pariah states? To hell with whatever we will be considered. All illegal immigrats must be expelled forthwith. Carmel Camilleri HUGE step forward? How many illegal immigrats were "VOLUNTARILY" taken by other eu countries?

John Borg

Mar 9th 2009, 17:47

Give it a rest!

Charles Micallef

Mar 9th 2009, 17:34

@ Carmel Camilleri I think that Mr Joe Public will not wait till the population of ILLEGAL immigration doubles which, at the rate that it grew this year, it will take less than 2 years to do so and then will be looking for more than fairy dust to solve the problem just to satisfy the international obligations. It seems ok for countries like Libya and Tunisia and the EU to drag their feet, but it does not seem right for THE MALTESE to protect their interests............ Explaining it as you wish, but you will not find many people who will share your thoughts! Let start something new, and stop taking a defeatist stand and instead put Malta's interest first.

M. Mercieca

Mar 9th 2009, 17:25

@ louise vella ‘Malta has to take a tough stance with the Tunisians.” How? If you can provide an answer to my three letters question, the PM would sort out the three thousands immigrants we have at the detention centre as well as making Denis Catania happier. Thanks and good day

Denis Catania

Mar 9th 2009, 15:46

By the time Malta sends all 262 back another 3,000 will come in.

louise vella

Mar 9th 2009, 15:22

A google search led me to:

http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.2959735796

"Italy: Agreement reached with Tunisia over illegal immigration

Rome, 28 Jan. (AKI) - Italian interior minister Roberto Maroni and his Tunisian counterpart Rafik Belhaj have agreed to step up the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking and all criminal organisations behind these phenomena. They also agreed to simplify and speed up procedures to identify Tunisian illegal immigrants currently held in Italian detention centres.

Those currently held in the overcrowded detention centre on the southern island of Lampedusa who have already been identified, will be repatriated "gradually and constantly" over the next two months, Maroni and Belhaj agreed. The deportation of illegal Tunisian immigrants will be assisted by European Union funds and international organisations operating in the region. "

Indications are that repatriation costs are being covered by UNHCR.

In the meantime last weekend Maroni was reported saying that Italy's tough stance has redirected Tunisian illegal immigrants towards Malta. the solution is easy: Malta has to take a tough stance with the Tunisians.

Joseph E Briffa

Mar 9th 2009, 15:20

Some bloggers seem to be out of touch with reality. They think that things can be done by just pressing a button. They seem to be blissfully unaware of how the public service in different countries works. Moreover, Issuing of documents relating to tens of people is not something done overnight.. Presumably these illegal immigrants had a passport; in that case they have to reapply for a new one giving reasons. A passport is the property of the state and it is a crime to destroy it. The authorities have to ensure that the old passport is non-existent before issuing a new one otherwise they risk having people owning two passports. The fact that there is no Tunisian ambassador in Malta - or is there?- does not help to accelerate the process. In the interim the Maltese authorities have to wait for the arrival of the necessary documents before despatching the immigrants back to their country as otherwise they would be returned back to Malta

Manuel Camilleri

Mar 9th 2009, 13:34

I agree with Mr Marco Zammit. Maltese love going to Tunisia on a short break. If more people boycott Tunisia as a holiday destination as a response to the Tunisians problem, we should have more leverage on this situation. Spend money on those who spend it on us not on those who burden us more.
Any feedback or comments re above ?

M. Mercieca

Mar 9th 2009, 13:29

As I said it many times before, a solution to satisfy both Valletta and Brussels does not exist and probably never.
Dr. Gonzi, Simon and Minster CMB are fully aware of the problem (imposed on them) and they act with prudence, while others can only talk, point fingers and attack!. Yes, I can understand what desperate politicians do to get votes.
Cow-boys solutions make us look ugly and would make Malta a pariah state, says Ranier Fsadni and I fully agree with him.
On behalf of my poor self I thank the gentlemen for the sterling job they are doing. A single repatriation of any irregular immigrants is a credit and I am pretty sure the number of repatriations would increase in the near future.

Carmel Camilleri

Mar 9th 2009, 13:03

@ Charles Micallef

There is no fairy dust to solve illegal immigration. There must be work on various fronts.

Since we are dealing with countries that are much larger than us, our only way forward is engaging the European Union to put its weight behind us. Stamping our feet, not honouring our international obligations, breaching international maritime laws or trying to bully Libya, Tunisia or any other country will simply not work, because these countries couldn't care less about our plight.

The EU has approved the Pact on Immigration and Asylum in November. That was a huge step forward because it gives a clear direction to where there was none. We have to continue working to implement the measures contained within the Pact including assisted repatriation of illegals, voluntary repatriation, the signing of bilateral repatriation agreements with African countries where this phenomenon originates and the transit countries, and not least more effort to set up the burden sharing mechanisms contained in the Pact.

Unfortunately, the EU is very cumbersome and moves slowly. But it will get there.

Marco Zammit

Mar 9th 2009, 11:46

It is evermore clearer than Malta should retaliate for Tunisia's dragging its feet in issuing these illegals' documents, and that should not be limited on bilateral issues, but also on a EU level. That would send a strong signal to the powers that be in Tunis that their attitude and unnecessary delays are unacceptable, and come at a hefty price. It would also act as a deterrent to any third countries mulling similar behaviours in the future. These illegals arrived here illegally almost a full month and a half ago.

Unfortunately we have a very passive and absent government when it needs to be tough with foreigners. Instead, it is way too tough with the weakest amongst its own citizens in Malta.

I will never again holiday in Tunisia and will badmouth the country due to this avoidable incident.

Lee Micallef

Mar 9th 2009, 11:35

What i want to know is why are Egyptians and Tunisians coming to Malta ? its not like their countries are worn torn or they fear for their lives ........ahhh maybe they have heard the line .. "Go to Malta and net yourself 5000 Euros" !!

Charles Micallef

Mar 9th 2009, 11:22

@Carmel Camilleri


Having listened to politicians of both parties harping about issue, but no one appears to have a solution to distressing and costly problem, again sticking to internationals laws have also got us nowhere and the numbers of arrivals are increasing alarmingly, while the number of repatriations is insignificant.

What is your solution to this serious problem of national importance?

Carmel Camilleri

Mar 9th 2009, 10:20

Repatriations can only be carried out once a valid passport for the person being repatriated is issued by the authorities of that person's country of origin. Some countries co-operate withe the Maltese authorities in providing these documents, others don't. Egypt, for example, co-operates readily. Tunisia, co-operates at a slower pace.

Those posting comments here, implying that repatriations can be carried out at the flick of a switch are only exposing their ignorance on the subject, rather than the Government's ineffectiveness in the matter.

Charles Micallef

Mar 9th 2009, 09:48

Far too little, and fear that it is far too late..........................

Can anyone ever imagine a day in the when all illegal immigrants are returned to their country of origin and the accomodation / land they are occupying is returned to for better use?

Can anyone also imagine a day when the army / police return to their normal duties?

Some live in hope, while others dodge the seriousness of the problem

Kenneth Galea

Mar 9th 2009, 09:33

I hope these repatriations are all being funded by the UNHCR. The UNHCR has its duties too, preaching alone does not get us anywhere.
I was under the impression when this group of illegals invaded our shores on the 1st of February that all would be repatriated on the day. How come only a handful were repatriated?
Gonzi if you want to elect one single candidate in the June MEP elections you need to get tougher. PL you need to come up with concrete actions rather than talk and no action.