More refugees leave for the US
A group of 20 refugees from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan left Malta today to begin a new life in the United States.
Since the permanent refugee resettlement programme was announced last May, over 240 refugees have been resettled in the United States.
The programme is a collaborative partnership among the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Office of Migration (IOM), the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and a number of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jason Davis noted that the continuation of the refugee resettlement programme showed America’s continuing commitment to help ease the burden that migration placed on Malta, and that it demonstrated its recognition of the enormous challenges and dangers that many of the migrants faced.
“This occasion marks the culmination of months of hard work on the part of UNHCR, IOM, and the United States government, as well as many others here in Malta who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of hundreds of refugees in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr Davis said.
He added that all refugees were assigned a sponsor agency that provided initial services such as housing, food, and clothing, as well as referral to medical care, employment services, and other support during a transition period lasting up to two years in order to ensure integration and assimilation.
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Mary Ann Borg
Apr 15th 2009, 23:42
God Bless America. The US is taking more than the whole EU with all its talk of burden-sharing etc. However, 20 is just over half a boat of illegal immigrants and Malta has no problem with well-intentioned refugees but with illegal immigrants. Still, the assistance by the US should be appreciated by all because once again, as it helped during WW2 and the ship that saved Malta, namely the Ohio, it is showing its true friendship and solidarity with this tiny country of ours.
Mary Ann Borg
Apr 15th 2009, 23:38
@ Charles Sammut: If you happen to be one of the less-than-a-dozen Graffiti, here's one for you:
A Japanese warship last Saturday helped a Maltese-registered freighter which was approached by what are thought to have been pirate boats, the Japanese media has reported.
The frigate Samidare received a call for assistance from the Maltese ship on Saturday afternoon and scrambled a helicopter to provide assistance. It also sounded a warning. The boats turned away without pressing an attack.
I bet that since Graffiti insists its against all warships visiting Valletta, it would also protest should a Japanese warship visits Malta, right?
Helena Psaila
Apr 15th 2009, 21:09
It's good that refugees they are being given the opportunity to rebuild their life in a stable country.
However, Malta should seek out talented or skilled refugees too and fight to keep them herself. Migration is a human resources paradise - as is being said for the credit crunch, 'it is important not to waste a crisis'.
P.Schembri
Apr 15th 2009, 19:12
@Wilfred L. Camilleri. Please note, and read carefully the wording. Refugees not Illegal Immigrants. There is quite a difference. If the Immigration Pact states refugees not illegal immigrants.
Andrew Gatt
Apr 15th 2009, 18:45
Frontex. Voluntary burden sharing, Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Just condemnation and negativity about Malta's situation, detention centres and policies.
EUseless!!!!
Joe Fenech
Apr 15th 2009, 18:45
However, why should other people be taking them. They should be sent back to their country FULL STOP!
Charles Sammut
Apr 15th 2009, 17:57
@ Wilfred L Camilleri
The people you mentioned are the same who have taken a stand against the government's (and opposition's) policy of detention for illegal immigrants. Talk about perverted logic.
Wilfred L Camilleri
Apr 15th 2009, 17:43
And when an American warship docks in Malta for a courtesy visit, there are those who protest ignoring the fact that they are here on a good-will visit, they perform community services, and they spend money. What has the EU done lately to help with the illegal immigration problem?
Noel Enriquez
Apr 15th 2009, 17:12
The United States of America is helping us more than our EU counterparts!!