Caring for migrants

I refer to the article 'Plight of migrant women in Malta' (The Sunday Times of Malta, October 18), wherein it is stated that the stay of vulnerable women in closed centres may last for many months.

This statement is backed up by a reference to a report which presumably refers to data collected in years past.

We are now in a position to provide some provisional data related to 2009 boat arrivals, which show that the average length of stay in a closed centre of vulnerable females (namely families/single parents with minor children and pregnant women) from date of referral until transfer to an open centre is 18 days.

During this period an individual's vulnerability is identified and assessed, and medical clearance is obtained. Furthermore, and especially in these cases of vulnerability, a place needs to be found in an open centre where additional protection and care is available. Single women are accommodated in an open centre where no men and no visitors in general are allowed in.

More, particularly vis-à-vis mental health issues, needs to be done, but we will get there, given the government's support to this delicate aspect of the management of irregular immigration, the dedication and professionalism of the staff members involved, as well as the collaboration between all stakeholders.