Reflection of public opinion on migration

Allan Gatt (October 30) misinterpreted Maurice Mizzi (October 23). At no stage did Mr Mizzi, in his correspondence, suggest any degradation of immigrants. Indeed he states clearly that "while these immigrants are in our islands they should be treated with all respect and kindness".

The degradation Mr Gatt refers to takes place in those countries where women "were publicly whipped by masked Somali Muslims for wearing bras, while men received the same dose of punishment for shaving their beards".

While being sympathetic to the plight of Africans who may have good reasons to flee their countries, among others to save themselves from degrading practices publicly avowed there, a massive uncontrolled flow of irregular migrants causes problems of assimilation and integration to the receiving countries, and it cannot be sustained locally in the absence of an effective burden-sharing agreement within the EU.

I have no doubt that Mr Mizzi - a gentleman in all respects - is reflecting the views of many ordinary Maltese citizens. Mr Gatt's suggestions of racial discrimination tend to be emotional and misplaced.