An issue that demands unity

Illegal immigration is becoming a more sensitive and complex saga as days go by. The Maltese people are continuously hoping the day will come when tangible solutions are found that will relieve the Island of the pressures this human tragedy is bringing about.

The number of Africans making it to our shores is constantly on the increase and it seems that nothing is considered a deterrent anymore; no strong winds, rough seas or any natural condition is hindering these desperate people from making the crossing. No matter how dangerous it might be, they are prepared to risk their lives rather than lose what they believe is a golden opportunity to improve their quality of life.

The unlucky ones do not make it and, quite often, we hear news of dead bodies being noticed floating in our seas. Then there are the less unfortunate, though not that lucky, either, who, for some reason beyond their expectation, end up landing on our soil. The majority of those disembarking in Malta have never dreamt of coming here as, their final destination was meant to be the European continent, mainly Italy.

Malta, geographically located right in the middle of their point of departure and their targeted final destination, is caught in this phenomena of African exodus, compromising our well-being due to financial, cultural and social implications such an influx is having on our society. Malta is already considered as the most densely populated country in Europe and the second in the world given its size and that of its own population, let alone when this population is constantly bloated by this human traffic.

The burden-sharing pact agreed upon by the EU member states is a positive way forward as it made all EU members states aware of our particular situation. This was also confirmed by the recent visit of two high profile personalities from the EU institutions. Still, the Maltese people are quite rightly worried about this situation as the problem is not getting lighter and, with calmer seas ahead, the future is far from encouraging. Unfortunately, Frontex is, once again, not meeting expectations with technical problems cropping up time and again.

With an election just around the corner, illegal immigration is probably the most sensitive issue that may trigger political parties to sensationalise in order to attract votes. We have heard political leaders suggesting remedies that are completely unacceptable in this day and age. Some even dared suggest actions that are completely against the country's international obligations. Suggestions that might sound appealing and popular in these worrying moments are only intended to gain votes.

The Maltese people must never fall in the trap of being lured by unrealistic solutions. We must find ways that do not put our country in bad light as any wrong moves will have negative repercussions on our international relations and, being an island with limited resources, Malta needs a sound and healthy foreign policy.

We need to focus all our strengths on ensuring much-needed assistance from our fellows EU states, which is what the government is trying to do, and this must also be complemented by enforcing a rigid surveillance on the Libyan coast in order to discourage any trips starting from there.

The government is on the right diplomatic course and it is gaining support each day. The changes implemented, such as the removal of accommodation benefits presently enjoyed by illegal immigrants in open centres, are also another positive measure to encourage immigrants' repatriation.

Let us avoid making the issue of illegal immigration a political ball and instead join forces to send a clear message to all 26 member states that the EU must honour its commitment of solidarity.

Mr Cini will be contesting the European Parliament elections on a Nationalist Party ticket.

rudolphc@onvol.net